Kinetic fluid energy conversion system

ABSTRACT

A kinetic fluid energy conversion system comprises one or more hubs which rotate about a central hub carrier, each including one or more independently controlled articulating energy conversion plates (“ECP”). An articulation control system rotates each ECP independently of all others to control its orientation with respect to the fluid flow direction between an orientation of 90° perpendicular to the fluid flow, while traveling in the direction of the flow and 0° minimal drag parallel position to the flow, while traveling in the direction against the flow or blocked from it. Each hub can be operably coupled to another hub to form one or more counter-rotating hub and ECP assemblies whereby the mechanical energy is transferred through the hubs, to one or more clutch/gearbox/generator/pump assemblies thereby permitting such assemblies to be land-based when the system is air-powered, and above or near the surface, when the system is water-powered.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of thefiling date of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/687,554 filedJun. 20, 2018, the respective disclosure(s) of which is(are)incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to kinetic fluid energy to mechanical energyconversion and integral counter-rotating transmission assemblies. Inparticular, this disclosure relates to a universal axis,counter-rotating arrangement of operationally coupled hubs, eachrotating about an integral hub carrier, with each hub capable ofsupporting one or more independently controlled articulating energyconversion plates operationally connected to it. The energy conversionplates are automatically articulated, and at all times fully controlledby, components within the hub, from an orientation parallel to thefluid-flow position (slipstream) to an orientation perpendicular to theflow (working), and back to slipstream during any number of radians, orfor any duration of travel, about the 360° hub rotation. Kinetic fluidenergy is converted to mechanical energy via each energy conversionplate while in any orientation greater than parallel to the fluid flowwhile moving in the direction of the fluid flow. Mechanical energy istransferred from each energy conversion plate to the hub to which it isoperationally connected, through the hubs, without a requireddriveshaft, to one or more clutches, gearboxes, electric generators,pumps, or other rotating mechanical devices (“Gearbox/GeneratorAssemblies”) suitable for converting kinetic rotational energy from arotating body into another form of energy, including without limitation,electricity or compressed fluid (gas or liquid). The unique designenables locating one or more Gearbox/Generator Assemblies on the ground,for land-based systems, and at the waterline, or above it, forwater-based systems.

BACKGROUND

No document is admitted to be prior art to the claimed subject matter.

Machines used for converting kinetic fluid energy to mechanical energyare known in the art and include horizontal axis wind turbines (“HAWT”),vertical axis wind turbines (“VAWT”), and water turbines used to convertstored energy, for example water retained by a dam, or convert energyfrom a channeled flow, for example from a higher elevation to a lowerelevation, to mechanical energy. Challenges exist within HAWTs wherebytheir blades are monolithic, industrial-scale units with blades weighingupwards of 30 tons each, and, in many cases, the blades require monthsto transport from their place of manufacture to their installation site.Up to a year of logistical planning for the transport of a single 32-tonblade is not uncommon. Another challenge exists with HAWTs whereby thegearbox/generator assembly, which can weigh more than 30 tons, islocated within the nacelle upon a tower assembly. In addition, the highrotational tip speed of industrial-scale turbine blades can approach 200mph, and, consequentially HAWTs kill an estimated 300,000 birds peryear. Industrial scale HAWTs high rotational tip speed also produceswhat some describe as unbearable low-frequency noise for persons livingwithin 3,200 feet of such machines and consequential related headaches,ear pain, nausea, blurred vision, anxiety, memory loss, and an overallfeeling of unsettledness. These negative effects upon people haveprompted legislators in the United States, Canada and Australia to seekminimum distance requirements for which industrial scale HAWTs can belocated from residential housing. Challenges also exist with VAWTs, suchas the Savonius Rotor, whereby energy converted by their airfoils, whilemoving in the direction of the wind, is largely canceled out when theairfoil completes its rotation while moving against the wind. Withrespect to the Darrieus Turbine (VAWT), which comprises verticalwing-like blades, challenges exist whereby the machine is notself-starting. Once started, however, the turbine also has a highrotational speed which can be fatal to birds. Additionally, the energyconversion of VAWTs is less than a HAWT relative to the volumetric areawithin which VAWTs operate as compared to HAWTs. Neither HAWTs nor VAWTshave designs or features to effectively protect them from winds that farexceed their rated capacity and neither turbine type works in water.Likewise, water turbines do not work in wind.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not anextensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended toneither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matternor delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present conceptsin a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description thatis presented later.

Aspects of the disclosure are embodied in a system that may include ahub that is rotatable about a hub axis of rotation, one or morearticulating plates extending radially from the hub and rotatabletherewith, where each articulating plate is configured to be articulableabout a plate articulation axis that is oriented radially with respectto the hub axis of rotation, and an articulation control systemconfigured to independently control orientation of each plate withrespect to the associated plate articulation control axis. Each plate isoperably coupled to the articulation control system so that thearticulation control system changes the orientation of the plate as thehub rotates about the hub axis of rotation.

According to other aspects, the hub axis of rotation may be orientedvertically, horizontally, or any angle therebetween.

According to other aspects, the system may include two or more hubs,each hub being axially adjacent with respect to the hub axis of rotationto at least one other hub, wherein each hub is rotatable about the samehub axis of rotation, and wherein each hub is configured to rotate in anopposite direction than the axially adjacent hub.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a separatorplate disposed between each hub and at least one axially-adjacent hub,wherein the separator plate is fixed with respect to the hub axis ofrotation and is configured so as not to interfere with rotation of thearticulating plates with the hub about the hub axis of rotation orarticulation of the articulating plates about their respective axes ofrotation.

According to other aspects, the separator plate is configured to preventthe fluid flow passing through each hub from affecting the fluid flow ofthe adjacent hub.

According to other aspects, the system may further include at least onecounter-rotating transmission between each hub and an axially-adjacenthub to rotationally couple each hub to the axially-adjacent hub. Thecounter-rotating transmission may include a ring gear on each hub andthe axially-adjacent hub, wherein each ring gear is coaxially arrangedwith respect to the hub axis of rotation and a plurality of pinion gearsangularly spaced about the hub axis of rotation. Each pinion gear isrotatable about a pinion axis that is oriented radially with respect tothe hub axis of rotation, and the pinion gears are disposed between thering gears on each hub and the axially-adjacent hub, such that rotationof each hub about the hub axis of rotation in a first direction causes acorresponding rotation of the axially-adjacent hub in a second directionabout the hub axis of rotation opposite the first direction.

According to other aspects, the system may include at least twocounter-rotating transmissions between each hub and an axially-adjacenthub, wherein the ring gears of each of the counter-rotatingtransmissions have a different diameter.

According to other aspects, the system may include a non-rotatingperimeter plate disposed between pairs of hubs rotating in oppositedirections.

According to other aspects, the system may include a hub carriercomprising a tube that is coaxially arranged with respect to the hubaxis of rotation, wherein each hub is rotationally mounted with respectto the hub carrier so as to be rotatable about the hub carrier, and thehub carrier is fixed against rotation with the hubs.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a floatassembly to which the at least one hub, the one or more articulatingplates, and the articulation control system are attached. The floatassembly is configure to buoyantly support the at least one hub, the oneor more articulating plates, and the articulation control system withina body of water and with the at least one hub, the one or morearticulating plates, and the articulation control system submerged belowthe surface of the body of water.

According to other aspects, the float assembly is anchored within thebody of water by at least three cables connecting the float assembly toa ballast mounting attachment. The system may further include anautomated winch assembly associated with each cable and configured toautomatically control the length of the cable between the float assemblyand the respective ballast mounting attachment so as to control theorientation of the float assembly and the at least one hub, the one ormore articulating plates, and the articulation control system buoyantlysupported thereby.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a perimeterplate fixed to the hub carrier and disposed between each hub and theaxially-adjacent hub and thrust bearings disposed between the perimeterplate and the hub and between the perimeter plate and the axiallyadjacent hub.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a brakehousing surrounding the hub carrier and fixed with respect to the hubcarrier, wherein the brake housing is directly or indirectly coupled toan axially end-most one of the two or more hubs and thrust bearingsbetween the brake housing and the axially end-most hub.

According to other aspects, each articulating plate comprises a shaftrotatably mounted to the hub and defining the articulation axis of theassociated plate. The articulation control system may include a fixedtrack assembly having a continuous track about its perimeter, whereinthe continuous track circumscribes the hub axis of rotation and afollower assembly coupled to each shaft, wherein the follower assemblytraverses the continuous track as the hub and plate rotate about the hubaxis of rotation to vary the orientation of the plate with respect tothe articulation axis of the plate.

According to other aspects, the follower assembly is physicallyconnected to an associated shaft.

According to other aspects, the follower assembly is magneticallycoupled to an associated shaft.

According to other aspects, each articulating plate comprises a shaftrotatably mounted to the hub and defining the articulation axis of theassociated plate, and the articulation control system may include afirst magnetic array, a second magnetic array spaced apart from thefirst magnetic array and of opposite polarity than the first magneticarray, a magnetized follower coupled to the shaft and disposed at leastpartially in the space between the first magnetic array and the secondmagnetic array, and a controller adapted to selectively control themagnetic force of one or more portions of at least one of the first andsecond magnetic arrays to effect selective movement of the magneticfollower to cause rotation of the associated articulating plate.

According to other aspects, each articulating plate may include a shaftrotatably mounted to the hub and defining the articulation axis of theassociated plate, and the articulation control system may include one ormore motors operatively coupled to each of the shafts and controlled toeffect selective rotation of the associated shaft.

According to other aspects, each articulating plate is mounted to anassociated shaft defining the plate articulation axis, and may furtherinclude first and second stops attached to the shaft at angularly-spacedpositions. The first stop is configured to prevent the associatedarticulating plate from rotating about the plate articulation axisbeyond a first orientation, and the second stop is configured to preventthe associated articulating plate from rotating about the platearticulation axis beyond a second orientation.

According to other aspects, each articulating plate may include a shaftrotatably mounted to the hub and defining the articulation axis of theassociated plate, and wherein the articulation control system mayinclude a lubricant-filled chamber, a fixed track assembly disposedwithin the lubricant-filled chamber and having a continuous track aboutits perimeter, wherein the continuous track circumscribes the hub axisof rotation, a follower assembly associated with each articulating plateand disposed within the lubricant-filled chamber and engaged with thecontinuous track, an outer magnetic coupling connected to each shaft anddisposed outside of the lubricant-filled chamber, and an inner magneticcoupling connected to the follower assembly and disposed within thelubricant-filled chamber. The inner magnetic coupling is magneticallycoupled to the outer magnetic coupling through a wall of thelubricant-filled chamber so that as the hub and articulating platerotate about the hub axis of rotation the follower assembly traversesthe continuous track and varies the orientation of the plate withrespect to the articulation axis of the plate.

According to other aspects, the fixed track assembly may include a splittrack assembly including a stationary track member and a movable trackmember that is movable with respect to the stationary track member in anaxial direction with respect to the hub axis of rotation, and thestationary track member is separable from the movable track member alongthe continuous track.

According to other aspects, one of the stationary track member and themovable track member includes a female conical mating surface and theother of the stationary track member and the movable track memberincludes a male conical mating surface, so that the stationary trackmember and the movable track member are self-aligning.

According to other aspects, the continuous track includes a firstsection, a second section, and first and second transition sectionsbetween the first and second sections and wherein, as the followerassembly traverses the first section of the track, engagement of thefollower assembly with the first track section causes the associatedplate to assume a first orientation with respect to the articulationaxis of the plate, as the follower assembly traverses the second sectionof the track, engagement of the follower assembly with the second tracksection causes the associated plate to assume a second orientation withrespect to the articulation axis of the plate, as the follower assemblytraverses the first transition section of the track, engagement of thefollower assembly with the first transition section causes theassociated plate to transition from the first orientation with respectto the articulation axis of the plate to the second orientation withrespect to the articulation axis of the plate, and as the followerassembly traverses the second transition section of the track,engagement of the follower assembly with the second transition sectioncauses the associated plate to transition from the second orientationwith respect to the articulation axis of the plate to the firstorientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate.

According to other aspects, the first section of the track lies in afirst plane that is perpendicular to the hub axis of rotation, thesecond section of the track lies in a second plane that is perpendicularto the hub axis of rotation, and the first and second sections of thetrack are axially spaced apart with respect to the hub axis of rotation.

According to other aspects, opposed sides of the continuous track havean opposite magnetic polarity and the follower assembly includes afollower head disposed within the continuous track and magnetized sothat opposed sides of the follower head have a magnetic polarityopposite the magnetic polarity of the side of the continuous trackfacing that side of the follower head.

According to other aspects, the continuous track has a circularcross-sectional shape and the follower head has a spherical shape.

According to other aspects, each plate has opposed surfaces, a leadingedge, and a trailing edge, and the articulation control system isconfigured to orient each plate in a slipstream orientation in which theopposed surfaces of the plate are parallel to the plane of rotation ofthe hub for a first portion of each rotation of the hub and in a workingorientation in which the opposed surfaces are not parallel to the planeof rotation of the hub for a second portion of each rotation of the hub.

According to other aspects, the opposed surfaces are orientedperpendicular to the plane of rotation of the hub during the secondportion of each rotation of the hub.

According to other aspects, the system may include a plurality ofarticulating plates disposed at angularly-spaced positions about the huband wherein adjacent articulating plates that are in their slipstreamorientations overlap one another, and each articulating plate has aleading edge pocket of reduced thickness on a first surface of the plateand a trailing edge pocket of reduced thickness on a second surface ofthe plate, and the leading edge pocket of one articulating plate nestswith the trailing edge pocket of an adjacent overlapped articulatingplate when the plates are in their slipstream orientations.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a huborientation control system. The hub orientation control system mayinclude a sensor detecting a direction of a fluid flow transverse to thehub axis of rotation; and one or more actuators configured to repositionthe hub about the hub axis of rotation so that the articulating platesare in their slipstream orientations for the first portion of eachrotation of the hub in a direction against the direction of fluid flowand so that the articulating plates are in their working orientationsfor the second portion of each rotation of the hub in a direction withthe direction of fluid flow.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a cowlingsurrounding the at least one hub, wherein a part of the cowlingassociated with each hub is closed on a side of the cowlingcorresponding to the first portion of the hub's rotation and includes anintake port and an exhaust port on a side the cowling corresponding tothe second portion of the hub's rotation.

According to other aspects, each plate has opposed surfaces, a leadingedge, and a trailing edge, and the articulation control system isconfigured to orient each plate in a slipstream orientation in which theopposed surfaces of the plate are parallel to the plane of rotation ofeach hub for a first portion of each rotation of the hub and in aworking orientation in which the opposed surfaces are not parallel tothe plane of rotation of the hub for a second portion of each rotationof the hub. The system may further include a cowling surrounding the twoor more hubs, wherein a part of the cowling associated with each hub isclosed on a side of the cowling corresponding to the first portion ofthe hub's rotation and includes an intake port and an exhaust port on aside the cowling corresponding to the second portion of the hub'srotation and a separator plate disposed within the cowling between eachhub and at least one axially-adjacent hub, and the separator plate isfixed with respect to the hub axis of rotation and is configured so asnot to interfere with rotation of the articulating plates with the hubabout the hub axis of rotation or articulation of the articulatingplates about their respective axes of rotation.

According to other aspects, the system may further include anarticulation override system configured to override the articulationcontrol system and cause each plate to assume a desired, unchangingorientation while the articulation override system is activated.

According to other aspects, the system may further include anarticulation override system configured to override the articulationcontrol system and orient each plate in its slipstream orientation atany angular position about the hub axis of rotation.

According to other aspects, each plate has opposed surfaces, a leadingedge, and a trailing edge, and wherein the articulation control systemis configured to orient each plate in a slipstream orientation in whichthe opposed surfaces of the plate are parallel to the plane of rotationof the hub for a first portion of each rotation of the hub and in aworking orientation in which the opposed surfaces are not parallel tothe plane of rotation of the hub for a second portion of each rotationof the hub. The system may further include an articulation overridesystem configured to override the articulation control system and orienteach plate in its slipstream orientation at any angular position aboutthe hub axis of rotation. The articulation override system may includeone or more linear actuators configured to axially separate thestationary track member from the movable track member to disengage thefollower assembly of each articulating plate from the fixed trackassembly, rocker arms coupling the movable track member to a primaryoverride ring that is coaxially oriented with respect to the hub axis ofrotation so that axial movement of the movable track member causes acorresponding axial movement of the primary override ring and anactuator cam attached to the shaft of each articulating plate of a oneof the hubs and configured to be contacted by the axially moving primaryoverride ring and retain each articulating plate at its slipstreamorientation.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a secondaryoverride ring with lifters coupling the primary override ring to thesecondary override ring, a tertiary override ring with lifters couplingthe secondary override ring to the tertiary override ring, so that theprimary override ring, the secondary override ring and the tertiaryoverride ring move axially in unison, and an actuator cam attached tothe shaft of each articulating plate of the axially adjacent one of thehubs and configured to be contacted by the axially moving tertiaryoverride ring and retain each articulating plate of the axially adjacenthub at its slipstream orientation.

According to other aspects, the linear actuator comprises a ball screwactuator.

According to other aspects, the articulation override system may includeone or more redundant actuators configured and controlled to cause axialmovement of the primary override ring if the one or more linearactuators fail to axially separate the stationary track member from themovable track member.

According to other aspects, the redundant actuators comprise one or moreactuators selected from the group consisting of pyrotechnic actuators,pneumatic actuators, hydraulic electronic solenoid actuators actuators,and piston actuators,

According to other aspects, the redundant actuator is configured to beactuated by an electrical device, explosive device, a pressurecartridge, a mechanical primer-initiated device, a linear detonationtransfer line, or a laser actuated ordnance device.

According to other aspects, the system may further include a powertake-off device operably coupled to the at least one hub and configuredto receive mechanical energy from rotation of the at least one hub.

According to other aspects, the power take-off device may include one ormore of a clutch, a gearbox, an electrical generator, and a pump.

Aspects of the disclosure are embodied in a method for convertingkinetic fluid energy to mechanical energy with a hub that is rotatableabout a hub axis of rotation and one or more articulating platesextending radially from the hub and rotatable therewith. The method mayinclude the steps of A. selectively articulating each articulating plateabout a plate articulation axis that is oriented radially with respectto the hub axis of rotation, and B. during step A, independentlycontrolling an orientation of each plate with respect to the associatedplate articulation control axis so that the orientation of the platechanges as the hub rotates about the hub axis of rotation.

According to other aspects, each plate has opposed surfaces, a leadingedge, and a trailing edge, and wherein step B comprises orienting eachplate so that the opposed surfaces of the plate are parallel to theplane of rotation of the hub for a first portion of each rotation of thehub and so that the opposed surfaces are not parallel to the plane ofrotation of the hub for a second portion of each rotation of the hub.

According to other aspects, the opposed surfaces are orientedperpendicular to the plane of rotation of the hub during the secondportion of each rotation of the hub.

According to other aspects, the method may further include placing thehub in a fluid flowing in a direction that is transverse to the hub axisof rotation, and wherein the plate is moving against the direction offluid flow for the first portion of each rotation of the hub and theplate is moving with the direction of fluid flow for the second portionof each rotation of the hub.

According to other aspects, during first and second transition portionsof each rotation of the hub, each plate transitions between itsorientation during the first portion of the rotation and its orientationduring its second portion of the rotation.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the preferred embodiments are set forth withparticularity in the claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present embodiments will be obtained by reference tothe following detailed description that sets forth illustrativeembodiments, in which the principles of the preferred embodiments areutilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a vertical axis embodiment of a kineticfluid energy conversion system (“KFECS”) with a broken-out section andenlarged partial isometric view of the hub orientation control motorsand gears used to orient the KFECS toward the oncoming fluid flow or anyother direction when used in a land-based application.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the KFECS, configured with a single hub, withangular positions depicting where energy conversion plate articulationsstart and stop relative to the oncoming fluid flow.

FIG. 2A is a partial isometric view of a hub, with a broken-out sectionwhich reveals one embodiment of an energy conversion plate articulationsystem, contained within a hub or enclosed by it.

FIG. 2B is a partial front view of a hub, oriented nearest the fluidflow, with a broken-out section which reveals the portions of a camtrack assembly that controls the energy conversion plates when they arein their orientations parallel and perpendicular to the fluid flow.

FIG. 2C is a partial front view of a hub, with a broken-out sectionrevealing a cross-sectional view of the cam track assembly, orientednearest to the fluid flow, which reveals the portions of the cam trackassembly that control the energy conversion plates when they are intheir orientations parallel and perpendicular to the fluid flow.

FIG. 2D is a partial front view of a hub, oriented nearest to the fluidflow, with a broken-out section which reveals the portions of the camtrack assembly that controls the energy conversion plates when they arein their orientations parallel and perpendicular to the fluid flow.

FIG. 2E is a partial front view of a hub, oriented nearest the fluidflow, with a broken-out section which reveals an energy conversion plateshaft, on the right, in its parallel to the flow orientation, rotatingclockwise about a longitudinal axis of a hub carrier, immediately beforeit begins its 90° articulation to its perpendicular to the floworientation, and an energy conversion plate shaft on the left, after ithas articulated to its perpendicular to the flow orientation.

FIG. 2F is a partial front view of a hub, oriented nearest the fluidflow, with a broken-out section which reveals an energy conversion plateshaft that is transitioning from a parallel to the fluid floworientation to its perpendicular to the flow orientation.

FIG. 2G is a partial front view of a hub, oriented nearest the fluidflow, with a broken-out section which reveals an energy conversion plateshaft cross-sectional view, that has completed its articulation from itsparallel to the flow orientation, to its perpendicular to the floworientation.

FIG. 3A is a partial isometric view of two counter-rotating hubassemblies with a broken-out section revealing a counter-rotatingtransmission with a magnified detail partial isometric view of thecounter-rotating transmission.

FIG. 3B is a partial isometric view of two counter-rotating hubassemblies with a broken-out section revealing an alternate embodimentof (i) a counter-rotating transmission with a magnified detail partialisometric view of an additional counter-rotating transmission and (ii)outboard hub to perimeter plate thrust bearings.

FIG. 4 is a cropped isometric view of a vertical axis embodiment of theKFECS with a broken-out section revealing primary operationally linkedcomponents used to override the articulation of energy conversion platesfrom a working orientation to a position where all energy conversionplates are simultaneously in the slipstream orientation.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a vertical axis embodiment of theKFECS which depicts the flow of mechanical energy through the energyconversion system with detailed magnified cross-sectional views of (i)an operably coupled bevel gear and clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assembly pinion gear (FIG. 5B) and, (ii) thetransmission's ring gears to pinion relationship (FIG. 5C).

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a vertical axis embodiment of the KFECSwith (i) a ¼ section removed to reveal the hub components and featuresused to transfer mechanical power to one or moreclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assemblies or adjacent hub.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional magnified view of a hub extension (Detail6B depicted on FIG. 6A) revealing an energy conversion plate (“ECP”)shaft and its operably supporting bearings.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional and partial isometric view of the ECP shaftin its working orientation.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional and partial isometric view of the ECP shaftin its slipstream orientation.

FIG. 7A is a partial isometric view of two counter-rotating hubassemblies with (i) a broken-out section revealing a counter-rotatingtransmission and a portion of a perimeter plate that is fixedly linkedto the hub carrier, and (ii) a second broken-out section revealing anisometric view of components within a hub orientation motor housing usedto orient the KFECS toward the fluid flow or any other direction.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the hub carrier, counter rotatingtransmission's pinion carrier, perimeter plate, and hub to perimeterplate proximity sensors.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the hub carrier, and an alternateembodiment of the perimeter plate which embodies up to twocounter-rotating transmissions and optional perimeter thrust bearings.

FIG. 8A is a partial front view of two counter-rotating hub assemblieswith a broken-out section of a hub, revolving in a clockwise rotationabout the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier, and revealing the frontof the cam track assembly. Angular positions are shown where the ECParticulation control for a clockwise-rotating hub begins its transitionfrom a slipstream orientation, at the 0° position, and completes itsarticulation to its perpendicular to the fluid flow orientation at the5° position.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a follower assembly comprised of aconnecting rod, connecting rod bearings, sacrificial shaft and sphericalmagnet.

FIG. 8C is a front view (i.e., facing the oncoming fluid flow) of thehub carrier with two cam track assemblies that show the respectiveangular offsets of each cam track assembly relative to the other trackassembly.

FIG. 8D is a rear view (i.e., facing away from the oncoming fluid flow)of the hub carrier with two cam track assemblies that show therespective angular offsets of each cam track assembly relative to theother cam track assembly.

FIG. 8E-8G are front views (i.e., facing the oncoming fluid flow) whichillustrate the progressive articulations of the ECPs of a counterrotating pair of hubs as the ECPs articulate from their slipstreamorientations to their working orientations.

FIG. 8H-8J are rear views (i.e., facing away from the oncoming fluidflow) which illustrate the progressive articulations of an ECPs of acounter rotating pair of hubs as the ECPs articulate from their workingorientations to their slipstream orientations.

FIG. 9A is a front cross-sectional view of the cam track assemblylocated within a hub with a follower assembly within the track and anECP shaft to which the follower assembly is attached, wherein the camtrack is magnetic.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional, magnified view of a portion of themagnetic cam track assembly of FIG. 9A with a front view of a magneticfollower head levitating within the magnetic track, the followerlinkage, and the ECP shaft.

FIG. 10 is front view of a cam track assembly disposed within alubricant filled membrane with a portion of the membrane removed toreveal components within the membrane, and a isometric view (Detail A)of a magnetic coupling and an magnified cross-sectional detail view(Detail B) of the follower assembly.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view an embodiment of independent energyconversion plate articulation via a computer-controlled electromagneticarray assembly.

FIG. 11B is partial isometric view of the electromagnetic assemblycontrolling the ECP's working mode.

FIG. 11C is partial isometric view of the electromagnetic assemblycontrolling the ECP's transition from working mode to slipstream mode.

FIG. 11D is partial isometric view of the electromagnetic assemblycontrolling the ECP's slipstream mode.

FIG. 12A is a front view of the ball screw and track portions of atriple cam track assembly, in its closed position, with across-sectional view of a triple follower FIG. 12B is a croppedcross-sectional view of the ball screw and track portions of the triplesplit track assembly, in its closed position, with the triple followerassembly in its working orientation.

FIG. 12C is a front view of the ball screw and track portions of thetriple cam track assembly in its open position with the triple followerassembly in its slipstream orientation.

FIG. 12D is a cropped cross-sectional view of the ball screw and trackportions of the triple cam track assembly in its open position with thetriple follower assembly in its slipstream orientation.

FIG. 12E is a front view of a triple follower assembly, used in a triplecam track, in its slipstream orientation.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the pinion carrier and perimeter platefixedly linked to the hub carrier.

FIG. 13B is a plan view of the pinion carrier and perimeter platefixedly linked to the hub carrier with a dashed line depicting two ofmany paths that electric wiring, hydraulic lines, fiber optic cable andother similar support systems may be physically routed from a hubcarrier chase to the perimeter plate without the need for rotatablecouplings.

FIG. 13C is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of theperimeter plate configured to be fixedly linked to the hub carrier andwhich may be used with up to two counter-rotating transmissions andwhich may accommodate up to two optional perimeter thrust bearings.

FIG. 13D is a plan view of the alternate embodiment of the perimeterplate and including dashed lines depicting two of many paths thatelectric wiring, hydraulic lines, fiber optic cable and other similarsupport systems may be physically routed from a hub carrier chase to theperimeter plate without the need for rotatable couplings.

FIG. 13E is a transverse cross-section of the KFECS an alternateembodiment of brake housing and perimeter plate.

FIG. 14 is partial cross-sectional view, transverse to an axis of an ECPshaft, of articulation motors mounted to the interior perimeter of thehub and engaged with a ring gear attached to the ECP shaft.

FIG. 15A is a cropped isometric view of vertical axis embodiment of theKFECS with a broken-out section revealing (i) redundant failsafesystems, while in their stand-by mode, that, when activated, cause allECPs to rotate into and/or remain in a slipstream orientation, and (ii)two magnetic cam track assemblies in their working mode configurations.

FIG. 15B is a cropped isometric view of the vertical axis embodiment ofthe KFECS hub assembly with a broken-out section revealing two magneticcam track assemblies in their slipstream mode configurations.

FIG. 15C is a partial isometric view of the vertical axis embodiment ofthe KFECS hub assembly with a broken-out section revealing a magneticcam track assembly in its slipstream mode configuration.

FIG. 15D is a front view of the cam track assembly in its slipstreammode configuration.

FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view of the cam track assembly in thedirection 15E showing conical mating surfaces of a self-aligning tracksection mating embodiment.

FIG. 15F is an isometric view of an embodiment of the KFECS upper hubwith a broken-out section revealing (i) a cam track assembly that wasopened by a fail-safe backup AOS operation with resulting uncoupledfollower heads, and (ii) redundant AOS failsafe actuators in theirworking positions.

FIG. 15G is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of an uncoupledfollower head with a broken sacrificial shaft as a result of theoperation of a fail-safe backup AOS operation.

FIG. 15H is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of an uncoupledspherical bearing with a broken sacrificial shaft as a result of theoperation of a fail-safe backup AOS operation.

FIG. 15I is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of an uncoupled triplefollower assembly with a broken sacrificial shaft as a result of theoperation of a fail-safe backup AOS operation.

FIG. 15J is a front view of an uncoupled articulation motor pinion witha broken sacrificial shear pin as a result of the operation of afail-safe backup AOS operation.

FIG. 16 is schematic of computerized functions' inputs from the KFECSand remote operations, and computer outputs that control the AOS,clutches, brakes, hub orientation motors and water-based KFECS buoyancyand depth operations.

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of an embodiment of the KFECS with abroken-out section revealing components which orient the KFECS relativeto the fluid flow, transfer mechanical energy to generators or pumps,and stop the KFECS's hub rotations.

FIG. 17B is an isometric view of an embodiment of a base superstructureof the KFECS and components used to orient the KFECS toward the oncomingfluid flow or other computer directed orientation.

FIG. 17C is a plan view of the base superstructure and components usedto orient the KFECS toward the oncoming fluid flow or other computerdirected orientation.

FIG. 17D is a transverse cross section of FIG. 17C, in the direction17D, of the base superstructure and components used to orient the KFECStoward the oncoming fluid flow or other computer directed orientation.

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of the rear side a non-nesting ECP in aworking orientation.

FIG. 18B is an end view of a non-nesting ECP in a working orientation.

FIG. 18C is an exploded side view of a non-nesting ECP in a workingorientation with a broken away section revealing optional internalbuoyancy chambers.

FIG. 18D is a top plan view of a single hub with 5 ECPs, each with arectangular configuration, with each ECP simultaneously in itsslipstream orientation.

FIG. 18E is a top plan view of a single hub with 5 ECPs, each with atrapezoidal configuration, with each ECP simultaneously in itsslipstream orientation.

FIG. 18F is a front view of a KFECS embodiment with elongated hubs thataccommodate non-nesting ECPs that, while in their working mode, extendpast their respective hub's swept area into the adjacent hub's sweptarea, and an elongated perimeter plate that can accommodate additionalsuperstructure and cowling attaching area.

FIG. 19A is a top view of rear side of a nested ECP in its slipstreamorientation.

FIG. 19B is an isometric view of the rear side of a nested ECP in itsslipstream orientation, with enlarged leading edge details, in itsslipstream orientation.

FIG. 19C is a back-side view of a nested ECP in its slipstreamorientation.

FIG. 19D is a front-side view of a nested ECP in its slipstreamorientation.

FIG. 19E is a top plan view of a single hub with five nesting ECPsdepicting each ECP overlapping the adjacent ECP while all ECPs are intheir slipstream orientation.

FIG. 19F is a front view of a KFECS embodiment with elongated hubs thataccommodate nesting ECPs that, while in their working mode, extend pasttheir respective hub's swept area into the adjacent hub's swept area,and an elongated perimeter plate that can accommodate additionalsuperstructure and/or cowling attaching area.

FIG. 20A is a partial top view of an aggregate coated ECP surface.

FIG. 20B is a partial isometric view of an inverted dimpled ECP surface.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a KFECS superstructure used for aland-based application with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrierperpendicular to the land, or land-based structure, upon which it isoperably supported.

FIG. 22A is an isometric view of a KFECS superstructure used for aland-based application with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrierparallel to the land, or land-based structure, upon which it is operablysupported.

FIG. 22B is a front view of a KFECS superstructure used for a land-basedapplication with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier parallel tothe land, or land-based structure, upon which it is operably supported.

FIG. 22C is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a KFECSsuperstructure, for a land-based application with the longitudinal axisof the hub carrier parallel to the land, or land-based structure, uponwhich it is operably supported.

FIG. 22D is a front view of the KFECS superstructure of FIG. 22C.

FIG. 23A is a top isometric view of an embodiment of a KFECSsuperstructure used for a water-based application with the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier oriented perpendicularly to the surface of thewater within which the KFECS is tethered to the underwater bottom.

FIG. 23B is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a KFECSsuperstructure of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23C is an isometric view, partially in cross-section, of anembodiment of a KFECS superstructure used for a water-based applicationwith the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier oriented perpendicularlyto the surface of the water within which the KFECS is tethered to theunderwater bottom.

FIG. 23D is a cropped side view, partially in cross-section, of a KFECSsuperstructure used for a water-based application with the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier oriented perpendicularly to the water's surface,revealing the drive components operatively coupled to theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator and/or pump assemblies.

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a KFECS superstructure used for awater-based application with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier isparallel to the water's surface within which the KFECS is tethered tothe underwater bottom.

FIG. 24B is a front view of a KFECS superstructure used for awater-based application with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier isparallel to the water's surface within which the KFECS is tethered tothe underwater bottom.

FIG. 25A is a front view of a cowling surrounding the hubs of a KFECSwhen used in a land-based, vertical axis application.

FIG. 25B is a rear view of the cowling and KFECS.

FIG. 25C is a front isometric view of the cowling that shows intakeports, hub carrier attachment and a hub separator plate.

FIG. 25D is a rear isometric view of the cowling.

FIG. 25E is a plan view of the cowling with a top plate and the top ofthe cowling omitted to expose a hub separator plate located within thecowling.

FIG. 25F is a front cross-sectional view of one configuration of thecowling that shows plates that can be used above, below and between theECPs of two counter rotating hubs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and othertechnical terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as iscommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure belongs. If a definition set forth in this section iscontrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in thepatents, applications, published applications, and other publicationsthat are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth inthis section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein byreference.

Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests other-wise, as usedherein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

This description may use relative spatial and/or orientation terms indescribing an absolute or relative position and/or orientation of acomponent, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof. Unlessspecifically stated, or otherwise dictated by the context of thedescription, such terms, including, without limitation, top, bottom,above, below, under, on top of, upper, lower, left of, right of, infront of, behind, next to, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical,diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used forconvenience in referring to such component, apparatus, location,feature, or a portion thereof in the drawings and are not intended to belimiting.

Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions mentionedin this description are merely representative of an exemplaryimplementation of a device embodying aspects of the disclosure and arenot intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the terms “fixedly linked,” “operationally connected,”“operationally coupled,” “operationally linked,” “operably connected,”“operably coupled,” “operably linked,” “operably couplable” and liketerms, refer to a relationship (mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.)between elements whereby operation of one element results in acorresponding, following, or simultaneous operation or actuation of asecond element. It is noted that in using such terms to describeinventive embodiments, specific structures or mechanisms that link orcouple the elements are typically described. However, unless otherwisespecifically stated, when one of such terms is used, the term indicatesthat the actual linkage or coupling take a variety of forms, which incertain instances will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skillin the relevant technology.

As used herein, the term “KFECS”, refers to any embodiment of a kineticfluid energy conversion system described herein, including withoutlimitation, embodiments used for converting wind energy or water energyto mechanical energy, irrespective of the orientation of thelongitudinal axis (axis of rotation) of the hub carrier relative to theland or land-based structure upon which the KFECS is located, or thewater surface under which the KFECS is located.

As used herein, the term “bearing” refers to a component used to supportand/or guide a rotating, oscillating, articulating or sliding shaft,pivot, wheel or assembly. Irrespective of the bearing described orshown, it may take on numerous forms, including without limitationsealed, unsealed, roller, ball, angular, needle and thrust. However,unless otherwise specifically stated, when such term is used, the termindicates that the actual linkage or coupling take a variety of forms,which in certain instances will be readily apparent to a person ofordinary skill in the relevant technology.

As used herein, the terms “computer,” “computer-controlled and liketerms refer to a computer and/or redundant computer(s) within orconnected to the KFECS irrespective of its physical location, that mayinclude one or more uninterruptible power supplies.

As used herein, the term “land-based system” refers to a KFECS that isintended to convert kinetic fluid energy from a moving gas or gaseousmixture, including, without limitation, air, to mechanical energy.

As used herein, the term “water-based system” refers to a KFECS that isintended to convert kinetic fluid energy from a moving liquid, or liquidmixture, including without, limitation, water, to mechanical energy.

As used herein, the term “independent control” refers to the rotation ofan energy conversion plate, relative to its axis, independent of, andunrelated to, any other energy conversion plate included within theKFECS.

As used herein, the term “clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pumpassembly” refers to any device or assembly of components that may beoperably coupled to the KFECS and which may be driven by mechanicalenergy that flows from the KFECS.

As used herein, the term “energy conversion plate” when used in aland-based system, are commonly known as airfoils, and when used in awater-based system, are commonly known as hydrofoils.

As used herein, the term “ECP” refers to an energy conversion plate.

As used herein, the term “nesting ECP” refers to an ECP that, when allECPs are in their slipstream orientation, are configured such that theECP's leading edge parallel to the ECP's axis overlaps and nests withthe ECP that is immediately ahead of it in its direction of rotationabout the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier.

As used herein, the term “working mode” refers to the orienting of anenergy conversion plates whereby they are not parallel to—and may beperpendicular—to the fluid flow and will convert kinetic fluid energy tomechanical energy when subjected to an oncoming fluid flow.

As used herein, the term “slipstream orientation” refers to theorienting of energy conversion plates whereby they are parallel to anoncoming fluid flow and will not convert kinetic fluid energy tomechanical energy when subjected to an oncoming fluid flow.

As used herein, the term “AOS refers to an articulation override systemthat comprise multiple redundant systems that enable the KFECS toarticulate all ECPs to their slipstream position and stop the rotationsof the hubs.

As used herein, the term “AOS standby mode” refers to the operation ofthe AOS system whereby it (i) is monitoring the KFECS for conditionsincompatible with the KFECS working mode, and (ii) has all moving partsretracted or otherwise in a position or state where such parts are notsubjected to mechanical wear.

As used herein, the term “AOS active mode” refers to the operation ofthe AOS whereby all energy conversion plates are moved to and/orretained in their slipstream orientations.

As used herein, the term “stopped mode” refers to the reorienting of allenergy conversion plates (i) to their parallel to the flow (slipstream)orientations whereby they will not convert kinetic fluid energy tomechanical energy when subjected to a fluid flow, (ii) to a positionwhereby the KFECS can withstand fluid speeds and pressures far in excessof its design limit, and (iii) whereby the rotation of the KFECS isstopped for maintenance or any other purpose.

As used herein, the term “AOS Triggering Event” refers to any event thatcauses an AOS primary, or failsafe operation to occur. Triggering eventsinclude, without limitation, a signal received by the computerindicating (i) the fluid speed exceeds the KFECS's design specification,(ii) an error condition is detected by one or more sensors within theKFECS where such error condition require the KFECS's rotations to cease,(iii) maintenance of, or relating to, the KFECS is required or requestedby the AOS or a maintenance crew, or (iv) any other specified conditionis met.

The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures, wherein like numerals, including those followed bythe characters “−A” refer to like elements throughout. The terminologyused in the descriptions below, including without limitation the words“upper” and “lower,” are not to be interpreted in any limited orrestrictive manner simply because it is used in conjunction withdetailed descriptions of certain specific embodiments. Furthermore, thepreferred embodiments include numerous novel features, no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which isessential to practicing the preferred embodiments described.Furthermore, many components described herein and shown within thedrawings, and which are drawn as solid components, are done so for easeof understanding the drawings. Notwithstanding the crosshatch of suchcomponents, all such components may be manufactured using conventional(i) assembly techniques whereby a single component may be split intomultiple parts and, when reassembled, embody the characteristics of thecomponent described herein and/or shown in the drawings, and (ii) weightsaving methods, including without limitation designing all suchcomponents, including without limitation ECP 10, ECP 20, hub 120, hubcarrier 130, hub 180, perimeter plate 215, brake housing 121, base 900and cowling 1000, in multiple sub-assemblies, which can be assembledwith conventional assembly techniques, into the particular component asshown. All components, at the designer's choice, may also have aninterior lattice-like, or other non-solid interior design withstrengthened and/or thickened areas where required, for example at areasin contact with bearings, and an external skin whereby such componentsmay appear to be solid when in fact they need not be to achieve theirdesired functionality.

Provided herein and shown on accompanying figures are configurations ofa kinetic fluid energy to mechanical energy conversion system (KFECS)based on one or more independently controlled energy conversion platesoperationally coupled to one or more counter-rotating hubs, with allhubs operationally coupled to an integral hub carrier.

Provided herein and shown on accompanying figures are configurations ofhubs capable of being operably coupled to one or more counter-rotatingadjacent hubs, with each hub including one or more independentlycontrolled articulating energy conversion plates.

Embodiments disclosed herein and shown on accompanying figures supportthe configuration of one or more clutch/gearbox/electric generatorand/or pump assemblies on or near the ground, for a land-based KFECS,and near or above the water surface, for a water-based KFECS.

Embodiments disclosed herein and shown on accompanying figures permitpositioning a longitudinal axis of a hub carrier as described herein inany orientation relative to the land or land-based structure upon whichthe KFECS is erected, or water in which the KFECS is erected, includingwithout limitation, horizontal, or vertical. Irrespective of theorientation of the hub carrier's axis to the land or water surface asthe case may be, the operably coupled clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator or pump assembly(ies) may be located at or near the ground, orfloor as the case may be, for a land-based KFECS, and at or near thewater surface, for a water-based KFECS.

Embodiments disclosed herein and shown on accompanying figures are alsorelated to the independent control of an energy conversion plate byarticulation of it about a rotational axis that is substantiallyparallel to the plane of the ECP to achieve optimal energy conversion,while an energy conversion plate is moving in the direction of the fluidflow and to encounter minimal drag while moving against the fluid flow.In some embodiments, adjustment of the energy conversion platearticulation can be automatically overridden by an Articulation OverrideSystem (AOS) which causes each energy conversion plate, irrespective ofthe angular position about the hub carrier where it is located ortraveling, to articulate to a position parallel to the fluid flow, andthen causes all hubs and to cease rotating about the hub carrier (KFECSstopped position).

Embodiments disclosed herein permit multiple configurations of size andshape of KFECS components, including without limitation (i) differingaspect ratios of ECPs, and (ii) KFECS vertical, horizontal or theirorientations relative to the ground or water bottom. Moreover, thedescriptions and drawings are not intended to be limiting with respectto a KFECS physical shape, size, installation location or fluid type inwhich a KFECS is operating.

System Overview Hub and Energy Conversion Plate Assemblies—FIG. 1A

The kinetic fluid energy conversion system (“KFECS”) is based upon anintegral hub carrier, with one or more rotating operationally coupledhubs rotating around the hub carrier, with each hub havingequally-spaced, independently-articulating, fully controlled energyconversion plates (“ECP”) located around the hub's perimeter. The hubcarrier remains oriented directly to the oncoming fluid flow, or anyother computer-controlled orientation, via hub orientation controlsystem comprising, in an embodiment, one or more computer-controlled huborientation control motors.

Each energy conversion plate is independently controlled from within itsrespective hub and synchronized with the system's revolutions, such thateach energy conversion plate can be oriented for optimum overall energyconversion while moving in the direction of the fluid flow, and thenarticulated to be oriented for minimum drag, while the energy conversionplate is blocked from the fluid flow or moving against the flow.

Different numbers of hubs can be configured in different aspect ratios(height to width) to support a variable range of installation conditionsand/or designer's choice, including without limitation fluid speed,fluid type, ECP types and shapes. Different numbers ECPs can beconfigured in multiple desired geometric shapes to achieve overall KFECSoperating characteristics, including without limitation the desiredaspect ratio of the energy conversion system, mechanical energy outputdesired, and the overall energy conversion system size. All KFECS hubembodiments may be operably coupled to one or more power take-offs,including without limitation clutch/gearbox/generator or pumpassemblies. The operable couplings, including without limitationclutches, may be computer controlled to selectively and individuallycouple and decouple to the KFECS to achieve a range of loads enablingthe KFECS to operate in a wide range of fluid speeds. For example, onlyone of the multiple gearbox/generator assemblies may be coupled, forexample by an engaged clutch, to the KFECS during low fluid speedoperating conditions while two or more or all of the gearbox/generatorassemblies may be coupled to the KFECS during relatively high fluidspeed operating conditions.

KFECS embodiments may have a lower cut-in speed (the minimum speed atwhich a fluid energy conversion system begins to convert energy,typically by rotating or moving, sufficiently to rotate a generator orpump). KFECS lower cut-in speed results from the much larger square areaof fluid conversion surface (ECPs) that may be configured in a givenvolumetric area, and the time over which the ECPs are in contact withthe fluid flow as described herein, as compared to traditional wind andwater kinetic energy conversions systems configured within the samevolumetric area.

KFECS embodiments may also have a higher cut-out speed (the speed atwhich wind powered kinetic energy conversion systems, such asconventional horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines, are eitherattempted to be brought to rest or otherwise subjected to a lesseramount of dynamic pressure in an attempt to prevent damage to suchsystems. The embodiments described herein permit higher cut-out speedsas a result of its integral internal supporting structure and hubdesign, the plurality of which may be configured to be greater thantwenty percent of the total area exposed to an oncoming fluid flow.

Embodiments described herein include an ECP tip speed that may neverexceed the fluid speed and consequently rotates at a low RPM thereby (i)reducing wear on energy conversion components and related parts, and(ii) possibly reducing the risk of moving parts injuring birds and otherflying animals, when used in air, or marine life, when used in water.

The embodiment used in this summary, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1Bcomprises a five ECP design, the axis of each ECP is configured at72-degree intervals about the hub, with the 0 degree positioned locatednearest the oncoming fluid flow. As the first ECP in this embodimentmoves in a rotation about the hub carrier's longitudinal axis, in thedirection of the fluid flow, it will begin to convert kinetic fluidenergy to mechanical energy after it passes the 0-degree position,increasing its energy conversion output through the 90-degree position,and then decreasing its energy conversion output to the 120-degreeposition. After passing the 120-degree position, the fluid flow towardthe ECP will be completely blocked by the following, adjacent, ECP.Consequently, the first ECP in this example is then articulated to its0-degree (angle of attack) slipstream orientation where the surfaces ofthe ECP will be substantially parallel to the fluid flow. Once the ECPpasses the 180-degree position, it will remain in its parallel to theflow (slipstream) orientation while it rotates against the oncomingfluid or until it otherwise reaches the angular position at which thearticulation control system is configured to begin controlledarticulation of the ECP to its perpendicular (90 degree angle of attack)to the fluid flow (working) orientation.

Articulation Control—FIG. 2A

The articulation and orientation of each energy conversion plate iscontrolled at all times by components within its respective hub. In anembodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, that articulation control systemcomprises a split track assembly comprised of a stationary section and amovable section joined together to form a continuous track. The trackassembly is fixed to the hub carrier so that it acts as a part of thehub carrier, immovable from the hub carrier while the KFECS is itsworking mode, and rotating with the hub carrier when the hub carrier isrotated by the hub orientation control system.

The stationary and moveable sections of the track assembly are connectedby splines around its circumference, as shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, and arefollowed by a follower assembly operably linked to the energy conversionplate shaft of the respective energy conversion plate.

In one embodiment, each section of the track assembly, and the followerassembly that travel within it, are magnetically charged and arranged soa spherical magnetic assembly levitates within the spherical magnetictrack. As the fluid pressure increases upon an energy conversion plate,while in an orientation perpendicular to the fluid flow and moving withit, the energy conversion plate will cause the operably coupled hub torotate about the hub carrier in the direction of the fluid flow andconsequently, the energy conversion plate, operably linked shaft andoperably coupled hub will rotate around the track assembly. As thefollower assembly moves into a spline within the magnetic track, in thisexample, FIG. 2E-2G, from the lower track to the upper track, its pathof travel will cause the operably linked shaft to articulate theoperably linked energy conversion plate from its orientation parallel tothe fluid flow, shown in FIG. 2E, to an orientation perpendicular to thefluid flow position, shown in FIG. 2G.

Counter-Rotating Hub—FIG. 3

Each hub may be operably coupled to one or more counter-rotating hubsthereby transferring mechanical energy between them to aclutch/gearbox/electrical generator or pump assembly. One couplingmethod is achieved via a synchronous gear mesh. In this embodiment, eachhub is fitted with a ring gear, with pinion gears meshed between eachring gear. This arrangement embodies a counter-rotating transmissionwhich enables an evenly distributed load across the hub carrier and asynchronized counter-rotation of the meshed hubs. The counter-rotatingtransmission is designed and configured to work in any hub carrierlongitudinal axis orientation, including horizontal, and vertical.However, when used in a vertical axis orientation, all gear surfaces canbe immersed in a reservoir suitable for holding liquid lubricant, whilenot requiring any seals about rotating shafts or between componentslocated under the liquid lubricant level.

Articulation Override System—FIG. 4

A computer-controlled articulation override system (“AOS”) provides aseries of failsafe mechanisms to automatically override the articulationcontrol of all energy conversion plates in the event the fluid speedexceeds the design specification, error conditions are detected,maintenance is required, or any other specified condition is met, andstop the rotation of the energy conversion system. Moveable and lockablerings, and related components, contained within each hub remain in theirrespective retracted position during normal operations whereby they arenot subjected to any wear. When actuated, the rings travel along the hubcarrier axis and engage, through the counter-rotating hubs, and mayslide against and move against any cam operably linked to an energyconversion plate shaft that is not in a slipstream orientation.Simultaneously, the operationally coupled cam track separates to permiteach follower assembly to travel to its slipstream orientation,irrespective of the radian about the hub carrier's longitudinal axis itis moving through or is at which it is stopped.

1. Hub & Energy Conversion Plate Assembly—Working Principles—FIGS. 1Aand 1B

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the kinetic fluid energy conversion system(“KFECS”) 100 has an integral hub carrier 130, which may comprise acentral shaft, with two or more counter-rotatable hubs 120 and 180carried co-axially on the hub carrier 130 and mounted for rotation inopposite directions about a longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 (ahub axis of rotation 131). A perimeter plate 215 is rotationally fixedto the hub carrier 130 and is disposed between hubs 120 and 180 (seeFIGS. 7A and 13A). Each such hub 120 and 180 has equally-spaced,internally controlled, independently-articulating energy conversionplates 10 (ECP) located around the respective hub's 120 and 180perimeter and each ECP 10 is operably coupled to the respective hub byan associated shaft 140 extending radially from the hub to effect fluidflow-powered rotation of the respective hub. As the fluid pressureincreases upon an ECP 10, while the ECP 10 is in an orientationperpendicular to the fluid flow and moving with the fluid flow, the ECP10 will generate a torque applied to the respective hub 120, or hub 180,thereby causing the respective hub 120 or hub 180 to rotate about thehub carrier 130. Hubs 120 and 180 may be provided in pairs of counterrotating hubs—one hub 120 or 180 of the pair rotating in a clockwisedirection and the other hub 120 or 180 of the pair rotating in acounterclockwise direction—to balance torsional loads generated by eachhub.

During rotation of a hub 120 or 180 and its corresponding ECPs 10 in thepresence of a fluid flow in a direction transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier 130, each hub/ECP assembly will be rotating withthe direction of the fluid flow for half of its rotation and against thedirection of the fluid flow for the other half of its rotation. Toharness the motive power of the fluid flow, each ECP 10 is articulatedso as to maximize the surface area exposed to the fluid flow during atleast part of the rotation in the direction of the fluid flow and isarticulated to minimize the surface area exposed to the fluid flowduring at least part of the rotation in the direction against the fluidflow. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, to generate a clockwiserotation in the lower hub 120, the ECPs 10 on the left side of the hubcarrier 130 are articulated (about a plate articulation axis) so as tomaximize the surface area exposed to the fluid flow while the ECPs 10 onthe right side of the hub carrier 130 are articulated (about the platearticulation axis) to minimize the surface area exposed to the fluidflow. To generate a counterclockwise rotation in the upper hub 180, theECPs 10 on the right side of the hub carrier 130 are articulated so asto maximize the surface area exposed to the fluid flow while the ECPs 10on the left side of the hub carrier 130 are articulated to minimize thesurface area exposed to the fluid flow.

In an embodiment, the hub carrier 130 and the KFECS 100 remain orienteddirectly toward the oncoming fluid flow while in its working mode via ahub orientation control system that may include one or more fluiddirection sensors 810 and one or more computer-controlled huborientation control motors (“hub orientation control motors”) 710 havingdrive gears engaged with the orientation gear 700 attached to the hubcarrier 130 (see FIG. 17A).

The articulation of each ECP 10 about the longitudinal axis (platearticulation axis) of its respective shaft 140 (and thus the ECP'sorientation) is independently, fully and continuously controlled by anarticulation control system that, in various embodiments, is locatedwithin the respective hub 120 or 180. Each ECP 10 is also synchronizedwith its respective hub's revolutions about the hub carrier 130, suchthat each ECP 10 can be oriented by the articulation control system forenergy conversion while such ECP 10 is moving in the direction of thefluid flow, and then articulated to be oriented by the articulationcontrol system for minimum drag while such ECP 10 is blocked from thefluid flow or moving against the fluid flow.

Such a KFECS 100 converts kinetic fluid energy to positive mechanicalenergy when a fluid flow acts upon an ECP 10 that is (i) not parallel tothe fluid flow, including without limitation perpendicular to it, and(ii) positioned and/or moving in the direction of the fluid flow,thereby causing the fluid pressure against the ECP 10 to rise. Such ECP10 causes its respective hub 120 or hub 180, as the case may be, torotate about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. Positivemechanical energy is transferred to the hub 120 and hub 180 during anyperiod in which the angle of attack of one or more of its respectiveECPs 10 is not parallel to the fluid flow and moving in the direction ofthe fluid flow referred to herein as “working mode.”

In an embodiment, the articulation control system is configured so thatwhen the fluid flow to an ECP 10 is blocked by a following, adjacent ECP10, or an ECP 10 reaches the 180° position about the hub carrier 130,where the ECP 10 transitions from moving with the fluid flow to movingagainst the fluid flow, the ECP 10 will be articulated by thearticulation control system described in Sections 2 and 9 herein aboutits respective shaft 140 axis from its energy converting workingorientation (e.g., the ECP 10 surface is not parallel to and may beperpendicular to the fluid flow, or not parallel, and possiblyperpendicular to, the plane of rotation of the hub) to its parallel tothe flow “slipstream” orientation (or parallel to the plane of rotationof the hub), independently of all other ECPs 10, whereby the ECP 10 isoriented to generate minimal drag as it rotates about the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier 130 in a direction against the fluid flow.

Different numbers of (i) hubs 120 and 180 can be configured per hubcarrier 130, and (ii) different numbers of ECPs 10 can be configured perhub 120 and 180, based upon the designer's choice for satisfyingperformance and installation requirements, including without limitationthe desired aspect ratio (height to width) of the KFECS 100, itsmechanical energy output and overall size. The embodiment shown in FIG.1A comprises a configuration with five ECPs 10 per each of two hubs 120and 180. In such configuration, the axis of each ECP 10 (defined byshaft 140) is spaced at 72° intervals around the respective hub's 120and 180 perimeter. By way of example, if a six-ECP 10 embodiment wasconfigured, the axis of each ECP 10 would be spaced at 60° intervalsaround the respective hub's 120 and 180 perimeter(s) such that the axisof each ECP 10 would be evenly spaced around such perimeter.

Referring now to FIG. 1B and still referring FIG. 1A, regardless of thenumber of ECPs 10 or hubs 120 and 180 configured within the KFECS 100,in the context of the present disclosure, 0° relative to the oncomingfluid flow for the KFECS 100 is based upon the orientation of the hubcarrier 130 to the oncoming fluid flow. For simplicity, FIG. 1B showsonly the counter clockwise rotating hub 180.

When a hub 180 is rotating in a counterclockwise rotation, as a firstECP 10 in this embodiment (i.e., a five-ECP hub) moves in acounterclockwise rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier130, after it passes the 0° position it will be traveling in thedirection of the fluid flow. As the first ECP 10 passes the 0° position,the articulation control system will orient the ECP so as to maximizesurface exposure to the oncoming fluid by the time the ECP 10 reaches anangular position of about 355° (measuring backwards from 360°) and willbegin to convert kinetic fluid energy to mechanical energy. As the ECP10 approaches the 180° position transitioning from moving with the flowto moving against the flow, the ECP 10 is then articulated by thearticulation control system, as described in Sections 2 and 9, to itsslipstream orientation where the ECP 10 will be parallel to the fluidflow. Once the ECP 10 passes the 180° position, it will remain in itsparallel to the flow (slipstream) orientation while it rotates againstthe oncoming fluid flow or until it otherwise reaches the angularposition where it is configured to begin its controlled articulation toits perpendicular to the fluid flow (working) orientation.

Clockwise rotating hub 120, not shown in FIG. 1B, will articulate tomaximum surface exposure at an angular position of about 5° and willarticulate to minimum surface exposure after an angular position ofabout 127°.

2. Articulation Control System—Working Principle FIGS. 2A-2G

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the articulation and orientation of each ECP10 is controlled at all times by components that may be enclosed withinits respective hub 120 or hub 180. In an embodiment, orientation of eachECP 10 is positively controlled by a follower mechanism engaged with acam surface that effects articulation of the ECP 10 to varyingpredetermined orientations, relative to the fluid flow, as the ECP 10rotates about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. In anotherembodiment, orientation of each ECP 10 is positively controlled bycomputer-controlled motor that effects articulation of the ECP 10 tovarying predetermined orientations, relative to the fluid flow, as theECP 10 rotates about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. Inanother embodiment, orientation of each ECP 10 is positively controlledby computer-controlled magnetic array that effects articulation of theECP 10 to varying predetermined orientations, relative to the fluidflow, as the ECP 10 rotates about the longitudinal axis of the hubcarrier 130.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, a cam track assembly 250 includes anupper stationary section 251 and a lower moveable section 252 (inalternate configurations, the cam track assembly 250 comprises a single,integral unit as well as multi-track variations). The cam track assembly250 is fixed to the hub carrier 130 so that it acts as a part of the hubcarrier 130, immovable from it while the KFECS 100 is its working mode,and rotating with the hub carrier 130 when the hub carrier 130 isrotated by the hub orientation control system.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 2C and still referring to FIG. 2A, the camtrack assembly 250 includes a continuous track 255 disposed around itscircumference that includes upper track portion or section 260 and alower track portion or section 270 with an angled spline portion 261forming a transition section connecting the upper and lower trackportions on one side of the cam track assembly 250 (see FIG. 2B) and anangled spline portion 262 forming a transition section connecting theupper and lower track portions on an opposite side of the cam trackassembly 250 (see FIG. 2D). A follower assembly 254 is operativelyengaged with the continuous track 255. One follower assembly 254 isoperably linked to the energy conversion plate shaft 140 of each ECP 10.As the ECP 10 and shaft 140 rotate with the associated hub 120 or 180about the cam track assembly 250, the follower assembly 254 traversesthe continuous track 255 resulting in corresponding orientations of theECP 10 as the ECP 10 completes a revolution about the longitudinal axisof the hub carrier 130.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2E, 2F, 2G, when the follower assembly254 is disposed within the upper track portion 260, the correspondingECP 10 is disposed in its working orientation perpendicular to thedirection of fluid flow, and when the follower assembly 254 is disposedwithin the lower track portion 270, the corresponding ECP 10 is disposedin its slipstream orientation parallel to the direction of fluid flow.As the follower assembly 254 traverses the spline portion 261 from thelower track portion 270 to the upper track portion 260 (FIG. 2F), thecorresponding ECP 10 transitions from its slipstream orientationparallel to the direction of fluid flow to its working orientationperpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. As the follower assembly254 traverses the spline portion 262 on an opposite side of the camtrack assembly 250 from the upper track portion 260 to the lower trackportion 270, the corresponding ECP 10 transitions from its workingorientation perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, to itsslipstream orientation parallel to the direction of fluid flow.

Features of an embodiment of the follower assembly 254 are shown in FIG.8B. Follower assembly 254 includes a connecting rod 145 connected to andextending radially from the shaft 140 of the ECP 10. Follower head 253is connected to the end of a shaft 256 mounted to the connecting rod 145at a radial distance from the shaft 140. Shaft 256 may be rotationallymounted, defining an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to anarticulation axis defined by the shaft 140.

In an alternate configuration, the ECP 10 is in its slipstreamorientation when the follower assembly is in the upper track portion andis in its working orientation when the follower assembly is in the lowertrack assembly, depending on how the follower assembly is operativelyattached to the shaft 140 of the ECP 10.

The follower assembly 254 may include a linkage fixedly attached to theshaft 140 with a follower head 253 at a free end of the linkage disposedwithin the track 255 of the cam track assembly 250. In an embodiment,the follower head 253 is spherical in shape and the track has circulartransverse cross-sectional shape generally conforming to, but having alarger diameter than, the follower head 253.

In an embodiment, the upper section 251 and the lower section 252 aremagnetically charged with opposite poles facing each other, and togethercomprise a magnetic track. The upper and lower sections can bemagnetically charged by any suitable means, such as machining the upperand lower sections from permanent magnetic materials, embedding magneticmaterials within nonmagnetic sections 251 and 252, or by application ofelectromagnetism. In this embodiment, the spherical follower head 253 isalso magnetically charged and travels within the magnetic track wherebylike poles of the follower head 253 are oriented nearest its like polein the magnetic track, thereby resulting in the follower head 253levitating within the magnetic track and forming a magnetic bearing.

3. Counter-Rotating Hub—Working Principle—FIG. 3

Referring now to FIG. 3A and still referring to FIG. 1A, each hub 120and 180 may be operably coupled to one or more counter-rotating hubs 120and 180 thereby enabling the transfer of mechanical energy between themand/or through them to one or more operably coupled power take-offdevices, such as clutch/gearbox/electrical generator or pump assemblies620. One hub 120 to hub 180 counter-rotating coupling method is achievedvia a counter-rotating transmission 240 which enables the transfer ofmechanical energy between them and/or through them to one or moreoperably coupled power take-off devices, such asclutch/gearbox/electrical generator or pump assemblies 620.

In an embodiment, transmission 240 comprises a ring gear 200 attached orotherwise operatively coupled to hub 120 and a ring gear 230 attached orotherwise operatively coupled to hub 180 (see Section 3 and FIG. 3A).Transmission 240 further comprises radially oriented pinions 220 thatare rotatably mounted to a pinion carrier 210, which is fixed to the hubcarrier 130. This arrangement results in the center of the axis of eachpinion 220 remaining at all times in the same angular position relativeto the hub carrier 130. Consequently, because the center of the axis ofeach pinion 220 is fixed at an angular position with respect to the hubcarrier 130, rotational movement of either hub 120 and 180 about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 results in its operably linkedrespective ring gear 200 and ring gear 230 rotating about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. Rotational movement of eitherring gear 200 or ring gear 230 will cause the opposing ring gear torotate in the opposite direction. Movement of either ring 200 or ringgear 230 will cause the operably coupled pinions 220 to rotate abouttheir respective axes thereby causing an opposite rotation of theadjacent ring gear and operably coupled hub.

The transmission 240 will operate irrespective of the orientation of thelongitudinal axis the hub carrier 130, including without limitation,horizontal and vertical. However, when used in a KFECS 100 with a hubcarrier 130 that has a vertical axis orientation, all gear surfaces canbe immersed in a reservoir suitable for holding liquid lubricant, whilenot requiring any seals about rotating shafts or between componentslocated under the liquid lubricant level.

4. Articulation Override System Working Principle—FIG. 4

Referring now to FIG. 4, and still referring to FIG. 1A, acomputer-controlled ECP 10 articulation override system (“AOS”) providesa means to automatically override the primary articulation control ofall ECPs 10 to protect the KFECS 100 from fluid flow that exceeds presetlimits and/or to stop the KFECS 100 for maintenance or other purposes.When activated, the AOS articulates all ECPs 10 to, and/or retains themin, a slipstream orientation (AOS Active Mode) until the AOS determinesit is safe to return ECP 10 articulation control to the PrimaryArticulation Control System.

While the KFECS 100 is in its working mode, the AOS is in its standbymode (AOS Standby Mode) whereby the AOS continuously monitors sensorsfor any AOS active mode triggering event. When the AOS detects suchtriggering event, the AOS changes its status to active mode (AOS ActiveMode). Such triggering events include without limitation the computer'sreceipt of a signal indicating (i) the fluid flow speed exceeds theKFECS's 100 design specification, (ii) an error condition is detected byone or more sensors within the KFECS 100 where such error conditionrequire the hub 120 and 180 rotations to cease, (iii) maintenance of, orrelating to, the KFECS 100 is required or requested by the AOS or amaintenance crew, or (iv) any other specified condition is met. All AOScomponents, other than external kinetic fluid energy speed and directionsensors 810, may be enclosed within the counter-rotating hubs 120 and180, hub carrier 130 or other areas of the KFECS 100 and do not come incontact with the fluid flow.

An embodiment of the AOS includes moveable and lockable rings (seeSection 10 and FIG. 15A) including a primary ring 560, secondary ring570 and tertiary override ring 580 contained within hub 120 and hub 180which remain in their retracted positions during normal operationswhereby they are not subjected to any wear. The shaft 140 of each ECP 10includes a cam 590. When the AOS active mode is triggered, the primaryring 560, secondary ring 570 and tertiary override ring 580 move inaxial directions with respect to the hub carrier 130 and cause any cam590 operably linked to an ECP 10 that is not in the AOS Slipstream Modeposition to move into, and/or remain in, such position. Simultaneously,the stationary section 251 and moveable section 252 of the cam trackassembly 250 separate to permit each follower assembly 254 to travel to(or remain in) its slipstream position, irrespective of the angularposition about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 the followerassembly 254 is moving through or at which it is stopped. The ECPs 10remain in their slipstream orientations and, optionally, each hub 120and hub 180 remains stopped until the AOS resumes its standby mode.

Exemplary embodiments of an articulation control system are describedbelow. All such embodiments are compatible with the AOS to achieve itsfunctions of articulating the ECPs 10 to, and/or retaining them in, aslipstream orientation (AOS Active Mode) until the AOS determines it issafe return the ECP 10 articulation control to the Primary ArticulationControl System. The AOS controls any embodiment of ECP, including,without limitation, nesting ECP 20 as described in Section 13.3. Thedetailed operations of the AOS are described in Section 10.

5. Energy Conversion and Flow—FIG. 5A

Referring now to FIG. 5A, mechanical energy flow through the KFECS 100while in its working mode is depicted with dashed arrows. While theKFECS 100 is in its working mode, kinetic fluid pressure upon any ECP 10that is not parallel to the oncoming fluid flow is converted intomechanical energy by the resulting rotation of the corresponding hub120. The energy conversion begins when kinetic fluid energy convertedfrom any ECP 10 is transferred as a distributed load over the ECP 10,and then transferred into the operably linked shaft 140, both of whichact together as a lever thereby applying a torque to the associated hub120 to rotate the hub. The mechanical energy of the rotating hub istransferred out of the hub 120 into an operably coupled device, such asa clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly 620.

Still referring to FIG. 5A, when an adjacent counter-rotating hub 180 isincluded in a KFECS 100, kinetic fluid energy is converted intomechanical energy from any ECP plate 10 that is not parallel to theoncoming fluid flow by the resulting rotation of the corresponding hub120. The mechanical energy is converted as a distributed load (pressure)across the ECP 10 and is transferred through its respective operablylinked shaft 140, both of which act together as a lever thereby applyinga torque to the counter-rotating hub 180, and causing the hub 180 torotate. The mechanical energy is transferred out of the counter-rotatinghub 180 through the transmission 240, and as described in more detailbelow in Section 7, into a operably coupled counter-rotating hub 120.The combined mechanical energy from both hubs 120 and 180 is transferredto any operably coupled device, such as a clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assembly 620, for example, by means of bevel gear 600 andpinion gears 610, as described in more detail in Section 12.3.

6. Hub Assembly Detail—FIG. 6A

Referring to FIG. 6A, the hub 120 and hub 180 and hub carrier 130 designmay be scalable to include internal space to accommodate all of thebearings and primary articulation controls and related componentsnecessary for the conversion of kinetic fluid energy to mechanicalenergy (collectively “Hub and Hub Carrier Components”). The Hub and HubCarrier Components may include (i) multiple hub carrier bearings 135between hubs 120 and 180 and hub carrier 130 that permit the respectivehub 120 and hub 180 to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the hubcarrier 130, (see hub carrier longitudinal axis 131 on FIG. 1A) (ii)thrust bearings 190 for supporting the weight of the respective hub 120or hub 180 when the hub carrier's 130 longitudinal axis is mountedvertically (the illustrated embodiment includes one thrust bearing 190however, alternate embodiments may contain several), (iii) one or moreECP shaft bearings 175 supporting shaft 140 (see FIG. 6B) which enableECP 10 articulation within, and operable coupling to, the respective hub120 and hub 180, and which may comprise self-aligning bearing systems,such as, for example, bearing systems available from SKF Group, (iv)integral seal-less counter-rotating transmission well recess 235 formedin a top surface of lower hub 120 (see also FIG. 7B) which houses thetransmission 240 comprising the ring gears 200 and 230 and the pinions220, (v) pinion carrier relief 185, (vi) primary articulation controlcomponents, of multiple embodiments as described in Section 10,including for example, a cam track assembly 250, (vii)computer-monitored sensors used to monitor hub 120 and hub 180 andclutch/gearbox/brake housing 730 related components. Computer-monitoredsensors may include, without limitation, proximity, temperature andfluid level sensors for monitoring and/or detecting, (a) ECP shaft 140articulation position, (b) ECP shaft 140 angular position about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130, (c) counter-rotating operablecoupling 240 fluid level, and (d) status and/or operating condition ofthe hub 120 and hub 180. Hub status and operating conditions may includebut are not limited to (1) bearing conditions, (2) speed of revolutionsabout the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130, (3) KFECS 100internal temperatures, (4) clearances between perimeter plate 215 andthe hub 120 and hub 180, (5) clearances within the transmission 240, (6)transmission 240 rotations per minute, (7) bevel gear 600 and (8)operably coupled clutch/gearbox/electrical generator and/or pumpassembly 620. An embodiment of hub 120 includes an attached hub end 121with recesses that accommodate hub carrier 130 bearings, AOS componentsfurther described in Section 10, and brake components further describedin Section 12.2. An embodiment of hub 180 includes an attached hub end181 with recesses that accommodate hub carrier 130 bearings and AOScomponents further described in Section 10. An embodiment of hub 120 andhub 180 may include components which support operable counter-rotatingcoupling assemblies, similar to those described in Section 7, on eachend of hub 120 and hub 180 thus enabling additional hubs to be added tothe KFECS 100 and thereby permitting an expanded range of KFECS 100aspect ratios to serve a designer's choice.

Referring now to FIG. 6B and still referring to FIG. 6A, hub 120 and hub180 have integral hub extensions 124 that house bearings 175 supportingshaft 140. Hub extension 124 may be received within a conforming recess17 formed in the end of the ECP 10 or nesting ECP 20 as described inSection 13.3.

Referring now to FIGS. 6C and 6D, and still referring FIG. 6B, eachshaft 140 may include two stops 160 extending radially from the shaft140 from angularly-spaced positions and which contact correspondingshoulders 155 formed internally to the hub 120 (or hub 180) at the limitof the shaft's 140 articulation from its working rotational position toits slipstream rotational position. Shoulders 155 and stops 160 also actas a failsafe method of preventing the shaft 140 from rotating past itsdesigned maximum limits of rotation about the longitudinal axis of theshaft 140.

7. Counter-Rotating Transmission—FIGS. 7A, 7B

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B and still referring to FIGS. 1A and 3A, hub180 contains similar components found in hub 120 but rotates in theopposite direction due to the transmission 240, i.e., the ring gears 200and 230 and the pinions 220. The pinions 220 are rotatably mounted tothe pinion carrier 210, which is fixed to the hub carrier 130 such thatthe pinions 220 act as an extension of the hub carrier 130 and move withit when it is rotated about its longitudinal axis by the hub orientationcontrol system. Ring gear 230 is attached or otherwise coupled to hub180. Consequently, because the center of the axis of each pinion 220 iseffectively linked to an angular position of the hub carrier 130,rotational movement of either hub 120 and 180 about the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier 130 results in its respective ring gear 200 andring gear 230 rotating about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier130. Rotational movement of either ring gear 200 or ring gear 230 willcause the opposing ring gear to rotate in the opposite direction.Movement of either ring gear 200 or ring gear 230 will cause theoperably coupled pinions 220 to rotate about their respective axesthereby causing an opposite rotation of the adjacent ring gear andoperably coupled hub. Consequently, mechanical energy is transferredbetween hub 180 and ring gear 230, through the pinions 220, into ringgear 200 and hub 120.

The hub 180 has a conical pinion carrier relief 185 formed therein thataccepts the pinion carrier 210 with sufficient clearance to rotatearound the pinion carrier 210 without contacting it. The transmissionwell recess 235 housing the transmission 240 may be filled with alubricating fluid, thereby permitting the transfer of mechanical energybetween two counter-rotating hubs without the need for any fluid sealsfor rotating components or components located below the fluid level whenthe longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 is oriented vertically, andconsequently, all ECP 10 control shafts 140 can be articulated withoutthe need for lubricant seals related to the ring gear and pinionassembly.

Proximity sensors 585 located on a perimeter plate 215 of the pinioncarrier 210 can be used to determine KFECS 100 operations, includingwithout limitation, the distance between hubs and potential wear of hubcarrier bearings 135. Exemplary proximity sensors 585 include digitalinductive, 2-wire amplified, digital CMOS laser, photo-electric, patternmatching and optical. Hub carrier bearing 135 wear can be detected whenone or more proximity sensors 585 detect a distance between theperimeter plate 215 and its adjacent hub 120 or hub 180 that is out of apre-determined tolerance.

8. Independent Energy Conversion Plate Articulation—Working Mode—FIG. 8A

Referring now to FIG. 8A and still referring to FIG. 1A, the followerassembly 254, which is operably connected to the shaft 140 of each ECP10, or nesting ECP 20 described in Section 13.3, is rotated about theshaft axis 140, e.g., by 90 degrees, by the splines portions 261, 262 ofthe continuous track 255 of the cam track assembly 250 as the respectivefollower head 253 travels through the splines. Beginning at a givenangular position about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130relative to the oncoming fluid flow, in one embodiment, where the 0°position is located nearest the oncoming fluid and the hub 120 isrotating clockwise about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130,the ECP 10 angle of incidence, relative to the oncoming fluid flow,begins as parallel to the oncoming fluid flow (slipstream orientation,or 0° angle of attack) while at the 355° position. As the follower head253 travels through the splines, the follower assembly 254 rotates theassociated ECP 10 from its slipstream orientation to its fullarticulation orientation of 90° perpendicular to the fluid flow (90°angle of attack). In this embodiment, the entire 90° articulation iscompleted by the 5° angular position. The articulation controlindependently articulates each ECP 10 such that its articulation iswholly independent of, unrelated to, and unconstrained by, any aspect ofany other ECP 10. The articulation of each ECP 10 may be controlled byany of the embodiments described in Section 9.

8.1. ECP Articulation Offsets

Referring now to FIG. 8A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B and still referringto FIG. 1A, the articulations of the ECPs 10 of the counter-rotatinghubs 120 and 180 are synchronized whereby the ECPs of the two hubscannot collide with each other. The synchronizations are accomplishedand controlled by the cam track assembly 250, or other articulationcontrol embodiment, within each hub 120 or hub 180. This is demonstratedin FIGS. 8E-G and 8H-J where, for illustrative purposes, an ECP 10 onthe lower hub has been renumbered as ECP 8 and shown as transparent, andECP 10 on the upper hub has been renumbered as ECP 9 and shown astransparent to avoid obscuring the detail of the cam track assemblybehind it.

As shown in FIG. 8E, ECP 8 of a lower hub, disposed in a horizontal,slipstream orientation, moves clockwise with its follower controlassembly 254 guided in the lower track 270, and ECP 9 of an upper hubdisposed in a horizontal, slipstream orientation moves counterclockwisetoward the ECP 8 with its follower control assembly 254 guided in theupper track 260. Each ECP 8 and 9 has rotated about the respective camtrack assembly 250 to the same angular position (0° in FIG. 8E) as therespective follower assembly begins to traverse the spline sections 261of the upper and lower track assemblies. As shown in FIG. 8F, as thefollower assemblies of the ECPs 8 and 9 traverse the spline sections 261of the respective upper and lower cam track assemblies 250, the ECPs 8and 9 synchronously articulate clockwise about their respective axes ofrotation at angular positions that are offset with respect to eachother. That is, as an example, the follower assembly of ECP 8 traversesspline section 261 from lower track section 270 to upper track section260 between 0° and 5° angular position with respect to the lower camtrack assembly 250. Conversely, the follower assembly of ECP 9 traversesspline section 261 from upper track section 260 to lower track section270 between 0° and 355° angular position with respect to the upper camtrack assembly 250. Accordingly, each ECP 8 and 9 has moved “past” theother in its rotation about the respective track assembly 250 whilebeing articulated about its axis of rotation through the spline section261. As shown in FIG. 8G, by the time the ECPs 8 and 9 reach theirvertical, working orientations, lower ECP 8 is at 5° angular positionwith respect to the lower cam track assembly 250 and moving clockwiseaway from ECP 9, and upper ECP 9 is at 355° angular position withrespect to the upper cam track assembly 250 and moving counterclockwiseaway from the lower ECP 8. Thus, the ECPs 8 and 9 do not contact eachother during the articulation from the horizontal, slipstreamorientation to the vertical, working orientation.

As shown in FIG. 8H, ECP 8 of the lower hub, disposed in the vertical,working orientation, is moving clockwise toward ECP 9 with its followercontrol assembly 254 guided in the upper track 260, and ECP 9 of theupper hub disposed in the vertical, working orientation is movingcounterclockwise toward the ECP 8 with its follower control assembly 254guided in the lower track section 270. Lower ECP 8 has rotated clockwiseabout the lower cam track assembly 250 to a position short of a fullhalf rotation of 180° (e.g., 150°) as the ECP 8 enters the splinesection 262 connecting upper track section 260 with lower track section270. Upper ECP 9 has rotated counterclockwise about the upper cam trackassembly 250 to a position short of a full half rotation of 180° (e.g.,210°) as the ECP 9 enters the spline section 262 connecting lower tracksection 270 with upper track section 260. As shown in FIG. 8I, as thefollower assemblies of the ECPs 8 and 9 traverse the spline sections 262of the respective upper and lower cam track assemblies 250, the ECPs 8and 9 synchronously articulate counterclockwise about their respectiveaxes of rotation at angular positions that are offset with respect toeach other. That is, as an example, the follower assembly of ECP 8traverses spline section 262 from upper track section 260 to lower tracksection 270 between 150° and 180° angular position with respect to thelower cam track assembly 250. Conversely, the follower assembly of ECP 9traverses spline section 262 from lower track section 270 to upper tracksection 260 between 210° and 180° angular position with respect to theupper cam track assembly 250. Accordingly, each ECP 8 and 9 has not yet“met” the other in its rotation about the respective cam track assembly250 while being articulated about its axis of rotation through thespline section 262. As shown in FIG. 8J, by the time the ECPs 8 and 9reach their horizontal, slipstream orientations, lower ECP 8 and upperECP 9 are at the same angular position (180°). Thus, the ECPs 8 and 9 donot contact each other during the articulation from the vertical,working orientation to the horizontal, slipstream orientation.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D and FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, theoffsets of where the upper and lower ECP 10 or ECP 20 (see Section 13.3)articulations begin and end, relative to its adjacent ECP 10 on hub 120and hub 180, are within a designer's choice for satisfying performanceand installation requirements. The change in offset is accomplished,with respect to a cam track assembly 250, by altering where each suchassembly is attached to the hub carrier 130 relative to the cam trackassembly 250 in the adjacent hub 120 or hub 180. The change in offset isaccomplished in embodiments using the magnetic array articulation ormotorized articulation, described in Sections 9.3 and Section 9.6respectively, by the computer. Increasing an articulation offset permitsusing ECPs 20 with aspect ratios that allow increased nestingcapabilities as described in Section 13.3 and permits using ECPs 10 andECPs 20 with differing materials properties. For example, stiffermaterials require less offset because the respective ECP 10 or nestingECP 20 will have less flex while in its working orientation andconsequently can have a reduced offset, thereby converting more energywithout colliding with the adjacent counter-rotating ECP 10 or nestingECP 20 due to flexing.

The angle of the spline and angular extent over which it is applied aredesign parameters which can be set. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, on the back side (i.e., down flow side) of the hub 120 or180 at which the ECPs 10 are substantially blocked from the fluid flow,the spline 262 of the cam track assembly 250 may be set at a relativelyshallow angle, as there is no particular benefit to a rapid articulationof the ECP 10 and so as to minimize twisting moment applied to thefollower assembly 254 and the ECP shaft 140. On the other hand, on thefront side (i.e., inflow side) of the hub 120 or 180 at which the ECPs10 are exposed to maximum fluid flow, spline angle 261 may be set at asteeper angle to effect a rapid articulation of the ECP into its powergenerating orientation.

ECPs 10 could likewise be transitioned to their working position priorto 0°, and in fact, it has been determined mathematically that ECPs 10produce more overall power through an entire 360° rotation if thearticulation from slipstream mode to working mode begins atapproximately 355° and has completed its transition to working mode by5°. In this example, although the ECP 10 starts to encounter drag from355° due to its working surface starting to transition while movingagainst the flow from 355°-0° (half of its transition), the inventor hasdetermined that the positive power from 0°-5° more than offsets thenegative power from 355°-0°.

As each ECP rotates about its respective hub, its shaft 140 remains at asubstantially fixed axial position with respect to the hub axis ofrotation centered between the upper track section 260 and the lowertrack section 270. While the follower head 253 of the follower assembly254 of each ECP is traversing the upper track section 260 or the lowertrack section 270, the radial distance between the hub axis of rotationand the position on the connecting rod 145 at which the shaft 256 isinserted or otherwise attached or coupled to the connecting rod 145remains unchanged. Due to the offset of the follower ahead 253 withrespect to the axis of rotation of shaft 140, however, as the followerhead 253 traverses the transition section 261 or transition section 262while shaft 140 remains centered between the upper track section 260 andthe lower track section 270, the radial distance between the hub axis ofrotation and the connecting rod 145 will change. In one example, theradial distance will increase until it reaches the midpoint of thetransition section of the upper and lower track, and then it moves backin toward the hub axis as it nears the end of the transition section. Toaccommodate that radial variation, the shaft 256 and follower head 253may be configured to be movable in an axial direction (relative to shaft256) with respect to the connecting rod 145, thereby varying thedistance between the follower head 253 and the connecting rod 145, whilethe radial distance between the track 255 and the hub axis of rotationremains constant through the transition areas 261, 262. Alternatively,to accommodate that radial variation, the shaft 256 and follower head253 may be fixed with respect to the connecting rod 145, while theradial distance between the continuous track 255 and the hub axis ofrotation varies through the transition areas 261, 262.

Other articulation control systems described in this disclosure may alsoinclude comparable provisions for accommodating variation in the radialpositioning of a follower assembly with respect to the hub axis ofrotation as the follower assembly traverses a transition section of afollower orientation control feature. These provisions may includealternate embodiments of connecting rod 145, similar to connecting rod146 (See FIGS. 12E and 15I) that include bearings within an alternateembodiment of connecting rod 145.

It should be appreciated that the articulation offsets and relatedsynchronization described herein functions the same irrespective of if aKFECS 100 embodiment of nesting ECPs 20 as described in Section 13.3 areused in lieu of sets of ECP 10.

9. Primary Articulation Control—Multiple Embodiments

Still referring to FIG. 1A, ECP 10 articulation control may beaccomplished by numerous methodologies. In each of the followingarticulation control embodiments that use a follower assembly 254 (seeFIGS. 8A and 8B) the torsion moment that such articulation control cansupport can be increased by increasing the length of the followerassembly 254 or the follower assembly's 254 functional equivalent.

It should be appreciated that primary articulation control embodimentsdescribed herein functions the same irrespective of if a KFECS 100embodiment of nesting ECPs 20 as described in Section 13.3 are used inlieu of sets of ECP 10.

9.1 Interior Magnetic Cam Track Assembly—FIGS. 9A and 9B

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, and still referring to FIG. 1A, and asdescribed above, one embodiment of ECP 10 articulation control isachieved via a magnetic spherical split cam track assembly 250 comprisedof a stationary magnetic track section 251, and moveable magnetic tracksection 252, each with opposite magnetic poles nearest its respectivespherical track half, with a spherical magnetic follower head 253 withinthe track 255, for each operably coupled shaft 140. The sphericalmagnetic follower head 253 is arranged such that its magnetic poles arerepelled by the magnetism of each track section 251 and 252. Thisarrangement of magnetic components results in the spherical magneticfollower head 253 levitating within the magnetic spherical cam trackassembly 250 thereby creating a magnetic bearing.

The spherical magnetic follower head 253 is operably coupled to, e.g.,mounted on a shaft 256, which may be a sacrificial shaft as describedbelow, of the follower assembly 254, which is operably linked to a shaft140 of an ECP 10. The geometry of the continuous track 255 controls theposition of each ECP 10 relative to the fluid flow throughout the ECP's10 entire 360° rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier130.

Referring now to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C, and still referring to FIG. 9A,FIG. 9B, and FIG. 1A, the geometry of the track 255 may be configured tocontrol the start, end, and duration of each ECP 10 articulation, withthe minimum duration between the start and end point of each sucharticulation limited only by the diameter of the spherical magneticfollower head 253 relative to the angle of the steepest splines 261 and262 through which the spherical magnetic follower head 253 travels. Theradius of the follower cannot be larger than the radius of the spline.To exaggerate, and illustrate, the concept, if the radius of the entirecam track assembly is 1 foot, and the radius of the follower was 1 inch,the radius of the spline would be less than the path of travel requiredby the 1-inch follower. Consequently, the follower would collide withthe track. This can be further described asC=S/(cos((90−Theta)/2)),

where

C is the circumference of the magnetic spherical cam track assembly 250,

S is the diameter of the spherical magnetic follower head 253, and

Theta is the angle of the spline 261 and 262.

In this embodiment, as the spherical magnetic follower head 253 travelsthrough the track 255 around the magnetic cam track assembly 250, (i)while traveling through the upper track 260 it causes the operablycoupled ECP 10 to remain in an orientation perpendicular to the fluidflow (working position), (II) while traveling through a spline it causesthe operably coupled ECP 10 to articulate 90°, and (iii) while travelingthrough the lower track section 270 it causes the related ECP 10 toremain in an orientation parallel to the fluid flow (slipstream).

It should be appreciated the magnetic levitation method described hereinwill function regardless of which track section has a particular pole,North or South, nearest the track 255, provided the spherical magneticfollower head 253 is assembled within the magnetic cam track assembly250 with its poles facing like poles of the magnetic cam track assembly250, and each track section 251 and 252 has an opposing magnetic polenearest the its respective track 255 half.

It should be further appreciated that the greater the circumference ofthe magnetic cam track assembly 250, and follower head 253 and/or thegreater length of the connecting rod 145 embodied, or alternateembodiments of these components, including without limitation asdescribed in Sections 9.2 and 9.4, the great twisting moment therespective follower head can support.

It should be further appreciated that the words “upper” and “lower” areused herein and throughout Section 9 to orient the reader to the relateddrawings contained herein but do not limit the relative positions inwhich the hub carrier 130 and magnetic cam track assembly 250 areconfigured within the KFECS 100 or relative to the ground, or bottom ofbody of liquid, as the case may be.

9.2 Interior Lubricant-Filled Cam Track Assembly—FIG. 10

Referring now to FIG. 10 and still referring to FIG. 1A, anotherembodiment of ECP 10 articulation control is achieved via an internalliquid-lubricant filled cam track assembly 300 comprised of anstationary section 301 and moveable section 302. In this embodiment, thetrack assembly 300 is split along the centerline of a track 303 havingan upper track 325 and a lower track 326. The liquid-lubricant filledcam track assembly 300 includes membrane 322 that defines an interiorchamber suitable for containing liquid lubricant.

A spherical bearing travels in a circular track 303 and is operablylinked to a shaft 317 rotationally supported in a bearing 315. Thebearing 315 is operably coupled to an inner magnetic coupling 321 whichglides over an interior surface of the membrane 322, but does notcontact it, during normal operations. An outer magnetic coupling 323glides over the exterior of the membrane 322, but does not contact itduring normal operations, and is operably coupled to its associatedinner magnetic coupling 321 via magnetic attraction of sufficientmagnetic force, through the membrane 322 to permit the transfer oftorque necessary to articulate the associated ECP 10. It should beappreciated that this arrangement permits the transfer of torque throughthe magnetic field in a seal-less configuration. It should also beappreciated that the perimeter plate 215 may comprise computer monitoredsensors, as further described in Sections 9.5 and 11, that would detecta leak in the membrane 322 thereby resulting in one or morecomputer-controlled operations, including without limitation, triggeringthe AOS. The outer magnetic coupling 323 is operably linked via a shaft317, which may be a sacrificial shaft as described below, to a shaft 140of the associated an ECP 10.

Track 303 has a circular transverse cross-section to receive thespherical bearing 310. The geometry of the track 303 controls theposition of each ECP 10 relative to the fluid flow throughout its entire360° rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. Thetrack 303 geometry may be configured to control the start and end ofeach articulation, with the start, end and duration of each articulationlimited only by the diameter of the spherical bearing 310 relative tothe steepest angle of the splines 261 and 262 (see FIGS. 2B and 2D)through which the spherical bearing 310 travels. This can be furtherdescribed as:C=S/(cos((90−Theta)/2)),

where

C is the circumference of the internal liquid-lubricant filled cam trackassembly 300,

S is the diameter of the spherical bearing 310, and

Theta is the angle of the spline 261 and 262.

In this embodiment, as the bearing 310 moves through the track 303around the cam track assembly 300, (i) while traveling through the uppertrack 325 it causes the operably coupled energy conversion plate 10 tobe articulated perpendicular to the fluid flow, and (ii) while travelingthrough the lower track section 326 causes the associated energyconversion plate 10 to rotate to an orientation parallel to the fluidflow.

9.3 Magnetic Array Assembly—FIGS. 11A-11D

Referring now to FIG. 11A-FIG. 11D and to FIG. 8, another embodiment ofECP 10 articulation control is achieved via a magnetic array assembly370 which is installed in the same location as, and in lieu of, any typeof cam track assembly, including a magnetic cam track assembly 250. Themagnetic array assembly 370 is comprised of two opposingcomputer-controlled electromagnetic arrays 371 and 372. A magnetizedfollower 373 is operably linked to the shaft 140, of each ECP 10. Eachmagnetic array 371 and 372 has an opposing computer-controlled variableelectromotive force, with the follower 373 also being magneticallycharged, with its North pole side facing the North array 371 and itsSouth Pole facing the South array 372. The computer, not shown, can belocated within the KFECS 100 or attached remotely to it by a wired orwireless connection. The computer, using inputs from one or more fluidspeed and direction sensors 810 (see FIG. 1A) causes the electromagneticforce to be increased on segments of one array 371 and decreased onsegments of the opposing array 372 sequentially in the direction ofrotation as desired as the magnetized follower 373 passes through thearrays, thereby causing the magnetized follower 373 to change itsposition relative to the array assembly 370, and consequently,articulate the shaft 140 and associated plate 10, relative to the fluidflow throughout its entire 360° rotation about the longitudinal axis ofthe hub carrier 130. That is, by increasing the relative attractionbetween magnetized follower 373 and upper array 371, the follower movescloser to the upper array—analogous to the magnetized follower assemblybeing in an upper track of the embodiments described above. Byincreasing the relative attraction between the lower array 372 and thefollower 373, the follower moves closer to the lower array 372—analogousto the magnetized follower assembly being in a lower track of theembodiments described above. This arrangement results in the magnetizedfollower levitating within the magnetic array field that exists betweenthe upper array 371, and the lower array 372 and comprising a magneticbearing within a computer-controlled and infinitely variable path aboutthe magnetic array assembly 370. This computer-controlled articulationembodiment permits the KFECS 100 to remain constantly optimally orientedtoward the fluid flow by changing the beginning, duration and end-pointof each ECP 10 articulation thereby eliminating the need for huborientation control motors 710 and related components (See FIG. 1AEnlarged view).

It should be appreciated that magnetic array assembly 370, during AOSslipstream mode, does not require any sacrificial parts due tomechanical failure, for example a failed split track operation asdescribed in Section 10.4. Consequently, shaft 257 (see FIG. 11A) is notsacrificial.

9.4 Triple Cam Track Assembly—FIG. 12A

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12E, alternative embodiments of a cam trackassembly include a triple cam track assembly 460. Cam track assembly 460may be implemented as a magnetic cam track assembly, similar to magneticcam track assembly 250 (see FIG. 9A) or a liquid lubricant filled camtrack assembly 300 (see FIG. 10). This embodiment is comprised of threecontinuous tracks assemblies that control the articulation of the ECPshafts 140, an upper track assembly 463, a center track assembly 473,and a lower track assembly 483—each with a lower track, and upper track,and two spline sections connecting the respective upper and lowertracks. In various embodiments, upper track assembly 463 comprises afixed track section 461 and a movable track section 462, center trackassembly 473 comprises a fixed track section 471 and a movable tracksection 472, and lower track assembly 483 comprises a fixed tracksection 481 and a movable track section 482

A triple follower assembly 490 is comprised of a linkage 491, shafts492, follower heads 253, one or more bearings 493 (see also FIG. 15I),connecting rod 494 and shaft 495, which may be a sacrificial shaft, asdescribed below. The combination of the three track assemblies 463, 473and 483 and a triple follower assembly 490 coupled to the tracks 463,473, 483 triples the torsion moment that the triple cam track assembly460 supports as compared to single-track assemblies by tripling thesurface area of the follower heads 253 or spherical bearings 310 (seeFIG. 10). The designer may increase or decrease the moment that aparticular track assembly supports by reducing or increasing the numberof tracks, e.g. a double or quadruple cam track assembly, while usingthe same fundamental design principles incorporated in the triple camtrack assembly 460 and related triple follower assembly 490.

In various embodiments, the triple cam track assembly 460 is fixedlylinked to the hub carrier 130. The ECP shaft 140, the triple followerassembly 490, and the center track assembly 473 are configured andarranged so that the axis of each ECP shaft 140 is equidistant from theupper track and lower track of the center track assembly 473 (i.e., theaxis of each ECP shaft 140 bisects center track assembly 473). Thetriple follower assembly 490 includes three follower heads 253 (or threespherical bearings 310 if the triple cam track assembly is configured asa liquid-lubricant filled cam track assembly (see FIG. 10), eachfollower head 253 being disposed within one of the upper track assembly463, the center track assembly 473, and the lower track assembly 483.Furthermore, to prevent the triple follower assembly 490 from bindingduring rotation of the ECP shaft 140 about the hub, the triple followerassembly 490 is configured so that the follower heads 253 are alllocated at the same circumferential position within their respectivetracks 463, 473, 483 as the ECP shaft 140 rotates about the hub, so thatthe follower heads 253 simultaneously enter and exit the splines of therespective tracks 463, 473, 483.

The coplanar alignment is an essential element of the geometry necessaryfor proper operation of the triple follower assembly 490 and prevents itfrom binding within the respective tracks 463, 473 and 483.

The triple cam track assembly 460, like the magnetic cam track assembly250 and lubricant filled cam track assembly 300, uses the splined hub280 when it moves from its closed position, shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B,to its open position shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D.

9.5 Hub Carrier and Perimeter Plate Detail FIG. 13A

Referring now to FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, and FIG. 5, the hub carrier 130 ofthe KFECS 100 operates as a superstructure component. The hub carrier130 may include an integral chase 132 that can be used for routing anytype of electrical cable, hose or pipe for transporting mixed fluids,gases, such as pneumatic or hydraulic lines (collectively “TransportSystem”) or similar components (collectively “Transport System”) throughthe entirety of the KFECS 100, and routing such Transport System throughthe counter-rotating hubs 120 and 180 without the need for rotatablecouplings.

The perimeter plate 215 is fixed to the pinion carrier 210 (connected toeach other or a single, integral component) which is fixed to the hubcarrier 130. Consequently, any Transport System that runs through thehub carrier chase 132 may branch off through the perimeter plate 215 toserve numerous systems, including without limitation, electronicsensors, motor, vacuum, and pressure lines. Additionally, rotatableelectrical couplings, including without limitation brush slip rings maybe configured between the perimeter plate 215 and the adjacent hubs 120and 180 thereby permitting the transfer of high voltage routed from thehub chase 132 to each ECP shaft 140 that serves a respective ECP 10 or20. This provides a means of energizing heating elements within the ECPsthat could be controlled by computer, as described in Section 9.6, toreduce potential icing of the ECPs 10 and 20 during icing conditionsthat sometimes occur. A KFECS 100 embodiment with more than two hubs 120and 180 may include an additional perimeter plate 215, and relatedtransmission as described in Section 7, between each additional hub.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, Transport Systems may be routed over numerousphysical routes between the hub carrier chase 132 and the circumferenceof the perimeter plate 215. Several such physical routes are shown witha dashed line.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the perimeter plate 215 and fixedlylinked pinion carrier 210 have numerous features integral to thecounter-rotation transmission described in Section 7 and the AOSdescribed in Section 10. Pinion shaft receiver bores 211 are formed atangularly spaced positions about an outer wall of the pinion carrier 210and receive the shafts of the pinions 220. Perimeter plate 215 includesan annular support flange 216 at its inner periphery at which theperimeter plate 215 connects to the pinion carrier 210. Pinion openings217 are formed in the annular support flange at angularly spacedpositions corresponding to the positions of the pinion shaft receiverbores 211 and receive the pinions 220. An annular hub receiver ring 218,bordering the annular support flange 216 nests with hub 120 below theperimeter plate 215 and nests with hub 180 above the perimeter plate215. Annular support flange 216 is axially recessed with respect to theannular hub receiver ring 218 and the pinion carrier 210, therebyforming an annular trough that nests within the transmission well recess235. The annular trough formed by flange 216 and the transmission recess235 of the adjacent hub form a reservoir that can contain a liquidlubricant within which the pinions 220 positioned within the openings217 are immersed. The reservoir does not require seals for retaining theliquid lubricant within the reservoir when the hub is operated inconfiguration in which the hub carrier 130 is oriented substantiallyvertically. An annular rib 221 projects axially above annular hubreceiver rib 218 and the outer perimeter of the perimeter plate 215 anddefines a recess beneath it which accepts a secondary ring 570 of anarticulation override system as described in Section 10. Tertiary ringlifter slots 219 formed in the annular rib 221 permit movement of atertiary ring of the articulation override system as described inSection 10. Proximity sensors 585 may be located on both sides of theperimeter plate in the locations shown, however, the locations andnumbers of proximity sensors are not intended to be limiting an areshown as described as an embodiment. The words “below” and “above” asused herein are not intended to be limiting and are merely used toorient the reader to the drawing.

9.5.1 Perimeter Plate—Multi-function Alternate embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 13C and 13D, an alternate embodiment of aperimeter plate 215-A includes all of the features and functionalityembodied within perimeter plate 215 and further includes attachmentpoints and/or supporting areas for (i) a second and/or additionalcounter-rotating transmission 245 (See FIGS. 3B and 7C), and (ii) athrust bearing 227 extending circumferentially about the perimeter plate215-A near its outer perimeter.

Perimeter plate 215-A includes outer pinion openings 222 formed in anannular support flange 228 at angularly spaced positions about theperimeter plate 215-A. A pinion shaft receiver bore 223 is aligned witheach outer pinion opening 222. Each shaft receiver bore 223 receives ashaft of an outer pinion 224 having a gear head that is disposed in anassociated outer pinion opening 222.

Perimeter plate 215-A is configured to be used with alternateembodiments of hub 120 (120-A) and hub 180 (180-A), whereby the counterrotating hubs 120-A and 180-A are rotationally coupled by the outerpinions 224, optionally in combination with pinions 220 (inner pinions)of transmission 240.

In an embodiment, transmission 245 comprises a ring gear 225 attached orotherwise operatively coupled to hub 120-A (to the top of hub 120-A asshown in FIGS. 3B and 7C) and a ring gear 226 attached or otherwiseoperatively coupled to hub 180-A (to the bottom of hub 180-A as shown inFIGS. 3B and 7C). The radially oriented outer pinions 224 rotatablymounted within the receiver bores 223 of the perimeter plate 215-A aredisposed between the outer ring gears 225, 226. This arrangement resultsin the center of the axis of each outer pinion 224 remaining at alltimes in the same angular position relative to the hub carrier 130.Consequently, because the center of the axis of each outer pinion 224 isfixed at an angular position with respect to the hub carrier 130,rotational movement of either hub 120-A or 180-A about the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier 130 results in its operably linked respectiveouter ring gear 225 or outer ring gear 226 rotating about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. Rotational movement of eitherouter ring gear 225 or outer ring gear 226 will cause the opposing ringgear to rotate in the opposite direction via the coupling of the outerpinions 224. In addition, if an (inner) transmission 240 is also used,movement of either ring gear 200 or ring gear 230 of transmission 240will cause the operably coupled pinions 220 (inner pinions) to rotateabout their respective axes thereby causing an opposite rotation of theadjacent ring gear and operably coupled hub.

Two thrust bearings 227, referred to herein as perimeter hub bearings,may be provided and located against the perimeter plate 215-A, with onethrust bearing 227 positioned between the top of the perimeter plate215-A and the bottom of top hub 180-A, and another thrust bearing 227positioned between the bottom of the perimeter plate 215-A and the topof bottom hub 120-A (see FIG. 7C).

As shown in FIG. 13E, an alternate embodiment of brake housing 730,(730-A) includes a brake housing thrust bearing 731 disposedcircumferentially within an annular groove or channel formed in the topof the brake housing 730-A between the brake housing 730-A and analternate embodiment of the hub end 121-A.

The brake housing thrust bearing 731 permits rotation of the hub end121-A and the hubs 120-A and 180-A with respect to the brake housing730-A about the hub carrier 130. Brake housing thrust bearing 731 at theouter radial periphery of the of the brake housing 730-A and hub end121-A also transfers lateral and vertical loads acting upon the hubs120-A and 180-A through the hub end 121-A to the brake housing 730-A.Because the brake housing thrust bearing 730-A is located at the outerradial periphery of the of the brake housing 730-A and hub end 121-A, itis able to withstand a greater lateral moment than only the hub carrierbearings 135 positioned between the hub end 121-A and the hub carrier130.

Similarly, perimeter hub bearings 227 positioned on opposite sides ofthe perimeter plate 215-A between the hubs 180-A, 120-A and at the outerradial periphery of the of the perimeter plate 215-A and hubs 180-A,120-A, transfers lateral and vertical loads acting upon the hubs 120-Aand 180-A through the hubs and to the hub end 121-A. Because theperimeter hub bearings 227 are at the outer radial periphery of the ofthe perimeter plate 215-A and hubs 180-A, 120-A, they are able towithstand a greater lateral moment than only the hub carrier bearings135 positioned between the hubs 120-A, 180-A and the hub carrier 130.

Thus, the hubs 120-A, 180-A, hub end 121-A, and hub carrier 130, and allcomponents operably or fixedly linked to the hub carrier 130, are ableto withstand greater vertical and lateral loads than could be withstoodwithout brake housing thrust bearing 731 disposed between the brakehousing 730-A and the hub end 121-A.

In addition, because the perimeter plate 215-A and counter-rotatingtransmission 245 provides support points near the radially outerperipheries of the perimeter plate and hubs 120-A and 180-A (i.e.,radially outer support points provided by outer pinions 224 and ringgears 225 and 226), whereas transmission 240 (See FIG. 3B) only providessupport points located near the radial center of the perimeter plate 215and hubs 120 and 180 (i.e., radially inner support points provided bypinions 220 and ring gears 200 and 230), transmission 245 can transfergreater lateral torque than transmission 240 and would be subject toless stress than transmission 240. Transmission 240 and transmission 245can be used alone or in combination. That is, transmission 240 can beprovided between one pair of counter rotating hubs 120-A, 180-A andtransmission 245 can be provided between the same pair of counterrotating hubs 120-A, 180-A.

Unless otherwise noted or evident from the context, one or more of hubs120-A, 180-A, perimeter plate 215-A, hub end 121-A, and/or brake housing730-A could be substituted for one or more of hubs 120, 180, perimeterplate 215, hub end 121, and brake housing 730, as applicable, in anydescriptions in this disclosure.

9.6 Perimeter Motor Driven Assembly—FIG. 14

Referring now to FIG. 14 and to FIG. 1A, another embodiment of ECP 10articulation control is achieved via one or more computer-controlledmotors 400 and operably coupled ring gear 408. In this embodiment, thering gear 408 is operably coupled (e.g. fixedly and coaxially attachedto) an ECP shaft 140 of an ECP 10 and is part of a computer controlledarticulation control assembly 400, comprising at least one motor 402,which rotates a pinion 404, which is operably coupled to and rotates thering gear 408 that is fixedly attached to an ECP shaft 140. Theperimeter plate 215 is operably connected to, and remains aligned with,the hub carrier 130 at all times, acts as an extension of it, and moveswith it when it is rotated about its longitudinal axis by huborientation control system. All power and computer control signalsrelated to the operation of any articulation motor assembly 400 may betransmitted through the hub carrier chase 132 and routed from the hubcarrier chase 132 through the perimeter plate 215 and thereaftertransferred and/or transmitted into the hubs 120 and 180 by rotatablecouplings between the perimeter plate 215 and the hubs 120 and 180. Thecomputer, not shown, can be located within KFECS 100 or attachedremotely to it by a wired or wireless connection. The computer, usinginputs from one or more fluid speed and direction sensors 810, causesthe motorized pinions 404 to articulate the associated ECP shaft 140 andeach operably linked ECP 10, to its optimal position relative to thefluid flow throughout its entire 360° rotation about the longitudinalaxis of the hub carrier 130. This computer-controlled articulationembodiment permits the KFECS 100 to remain constantly optimally orientedtoward the fluid flow by changing the beginning, duration and end-pointof each ECP 10 articulation thereby eliminating the need for huborientation control motors 710 and related components.

10. Articulation Override System—Standby Mode—FIG. 15A.

Referring now to FIG. 15A, and still referring to FIG. 1A, the KFECS 100in some embodiments includes a computer-controlled articulation overridesystem (“AOS”) configured to rotate all ECPs 10, or ECPs 20 as describedin Section 13, to their slipstream orientation (active mode)irrespective of their orientation to the oncoming fluid flow or theirangular position about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. TheAOS may be include redundant actuator groups, such as, for example,pyrotechnic, pneumatic, hydraulic and electronic solenoid actuators, anyone of which, when activated, cause all ECPs 10 to be rotated to theirslipstream orientation all as more fully described in Section 10.3. Suchredundant actuators may comprise piston actuators that can be actuatedby multiple means, including without limitation, an electrical device,explosive device (pressure cartridge), a pneumatic device, aspring-loaded device, mechanical primer-initiated device (gasgenerator), a linear detonation transfer line (SMDC, FCDC, ETL, RDC), ora laser actuated ordnance device (laser-initiated squib or detonator).

One of the sections 251, 252 of the magnetic cam track assembly 250, forexample, the moveable track section 252, is designed to move withrespect to the other stationary track section 251 when directed by theAOS to go into AOS active mode to thereby decouple the follower assembly254 and ECP 10 from the magnetic cam track assembly 250.

As shown in FIGS. 15B-15E, during AOS active mode, moveable cam tracksection 252, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is the lower tracksection of the cam track assembly 250 of lower hub 120 and is the uppertrack section of the cam track assembly 250 of the upper hub 180,engages with rocker arms 550 configured to engage a primary overridering 560. As the moveable cam track section 252 separates from thestationary section 251 of the lower hub 120 (moving axially downwardlyin the illustrated embodiment), the moveable cam track section 252actuates the rocker arms 550, which in turn engage and move the primaryoverride ring 560 in an axial direction (upward in the illustratedexample). As the primary override ring 560 moves axially, it contactsactuator cams 590 of the ECP shafts 140 of the lower hub 120, therebymoving or maintaining each ECP 10 of the lower hub 120 in a slipstreamorientation. The primary override ring 560 is also coupled to asecondary override ring 570, for example, by means of axially-orientedlifters 565 extending between the primary override ring 560 and thesecondary override ring 570. Thus, axial movement of the primaryoverride ring 560 is transferred into a corresponding axial movement ofthe secondary override ring 570. A tertiary override ring 580 includesintegral lifters 581 which operably couple to the secondary overridering 570. Thus, the axial movement of the secondary override ring 570 istransferred into a corresponding axial movement of the tertiary ring580. As the tertiary override ring 580 moves axially, it contactsactuator cams 590 of the ECP shafts 140 of the upper hub 180, therebymoving or maintaining each ECP of the upper hub 180 in a slipstreamorientation.

In an embodiment, none of the operably coupled AOS components move orare subjected to any mechanical wear at any time other than when the AOSswitches into active mode. In an embodiment, all operably coupled partsthat come in contact with an actuator cam 590 or any other movable AOScomponents are constructed of materials with inherent low frictionproperties designed to slide without lubricant, such as Delrin®, or lowfriction coatings, such as Tungsten Disulfide. In an embodiment, the AOSis designed to rotate all ECPs 10 to their slipstream orientation inless time than is required for a hub 120 or 180 to make one revolutionabout the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130.

During normal KFECS 100 operations, the AOS remains in a standby modewhereby linear actuators, such as motorized ball-screw assemblies 530(which may be computer controlled, as described in further detailbelow), apply pressure to the moveable cam track section 252 in thedirection of the stationary cam track section 251 causing both sectionsto act as a single contiguous track 255. Similarly, in embodiments witha triple cam track assembly 460, motorized ball screw assemblies 534apply pressure to the movable track sections 462, 472 and 482 causingall three sections, in combination with their associated fixed tracksection 461, 471, and 481, respectively, to act as contiguous tracks463, 473 and 483, respectively.

It should be appreciated that the it is the designer's choice as to thelifter style that may be used, lifters 565 or 581, in alternateembodiments of the (i) AOS, (ii) perimeter plate 215 or 215-A (seeSection 9.5), and (iii) hubs 120 and 180 as adequate space exists in allcomponents that may be operably coupled to either lifters 565 or 581.

10.1 Active Mode—Primary System—FIG. 15A-FIG. 15F

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-FIG. 15F, FIG. 12C, and FIG. 12D and stillreferring to FIG. 1A, the AOS when activated is designed to rotate allenergy conversion plates 10 to their slipstream orientationsirrespective of their orientation to the oncoming fluid flow or theirangular location about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130. TheAOS primary activation system is comprised of the electromechanicalactuator system 505 which, when activated as shown, cause all ECPs 10 tobe rotated to their slipstream position. In an embodiment, thecomputer-controlled electromechanical actuator system 505 does so bymeans of one or more computer controlled motors 506, which rotateoperably coupled dual right-angle gearboxes 518, which rotate operablycoupled right angle gear boxes 520, which rotate operably coupled linearactuators attached to the moveable track section 252, such as ball-screwassemblies 530, causing the cam track assembly 250 to separate at thecenterline of the continuous track 255 thereby providing clearance forthe follower head 253 of the follower assembly 254 to move to itsslipstream orientation irrespective of its angular position (i.e., todecouple the follower head 253 and follower assembly 254 from thecontinuous track 255). For a magnetic track assembly, the linearactuators, e.g., ball screw assemblies 530, must be able to overcome themagnetic attraction between sections 251, 252. The moveable cam tracksection 252 is operably coupled to the one or more rocker arms 550 and,as the moveable cam track section 252 separates from track section 251,moving axially with respect to the hub carrier, the movable tracksimultaneously actuates the rocker arms, which causes the operablycoupled primary override ring 560 to move toward and operably couplewith the primary lifters 565, which move toward, and operably couplewith, the secondary override ring 570, which operably couples with, andmoves toward the tertiary override ring 580. As the secondary overridering 570 moves toward the energy conversion plate control shafts 140,the primary override ring 560 engages each actuator cam 590 in the hub120 that is not in the slipstream orientation. Simultaneously, as thetertiary override ring 580 moves toward its end of travel, all actuatorcams 590 in the hub 180 that it engages rotate the associated energyconversion plate shaft 140 and ECP 10 to its slipstream orientation.

The mechanical movement of the moveable magnetic cam track section 252,and the parts to which it is operably coupled, are conceptuallyidentical in function to the splitting movement of the liquid-lubricantfilled cam track assembly 300, and triple cam track assembly 460,irrespective of whether or not the triple cam track assembly is used ina magnetic embodiment or liquid lubricant embodiment.

10.2 Self-Aligning Track Hub Assembly—FIG. 15B

Referring now to FIG. 15B-FIG. 15E and still referring to FIG. 15A, invarious embodiments that include a track assembly fixed to the hubcarrier 130, such as magnetic cam track assembly 250, lubricant filledcam track assembly 300, or triple cam track assembly 460, suchassemblies are operably coupled to a splined hub 280 which is fixedlyattached to the hub carrier 130. In various embodiments, each splittrack assembly, irrespective of type, includes a male conical matingsurface 274 on one of the track sections (fixed or movable) and a femaleconical mating surface 272 on the other track section (movable or fixed)that faces and mates with surface 274. When the motorized ball-screws530, or other linear actuators, move the track section with the femaleconical mating surface 272 toward the male conical mating surface 274,the cam track sections will self-align, relying in part upon the matingmale and female frustoconical surfaces of the splined hub 280 for itscontinually aligned path of travel, thereby assuring a uniformly matedand aligned split track assembly, e.g., magnetic cam track assembly 250lubricant filled cam track assembly 300, or triple cam track assembly460 as the case may be.

10.3 Redundant Active Modes 1-3—FIG. 15F

Referring now to FIG. 15F and still referring to and FIG. 15A, in anembodiment when one or more computer-controlled sensors, for example, aproximity sensor, detect an incomplete AOS operation, e.g. partial orfailed cam track separation, one or more backup systems comprised ofredundant actuator groups may be activated whereby all ECPs 10 will berotated to their slipstream orientations. Rotation of the ECPs willoccur irrespective of the ECP's 10 angular position about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 and regardless of articulationcontrol system embodiment, including without limitation (i) magnetic camtrack assembly 250, (ii) lubricated cam track assembly 300, (iii) triplecam track assembly 460 or (iv) ring and pinion positions, with respectto articulation via motorized articulation control assembly 400.

Each actuator group may be supported on an actuator plate 500, which maycomprise a circular plate arranged coaxially with, oriented radially to,and rotationally fixed to the hub carrier 130. Accordingly, the actuatorplate 500 may act as an extension of the hub carrier and move with thehub carrier when the hub carrier is rotated about its longitudinal axisby hub orientation control system. Actuator groups may be comprised ofmultiple actuator types, including without limitation, pneumatic 508,pyrotechnic 510, hydraulic and electronic solenoid actuators, eachcapable of extending an integral actuator element, such as a piston,when activated.

When activated, each actuator of a backup actuator group, such as onecomprising pneumatic actuators 508 and/or pyrotechnic actuators 510,will simultaneously extend its respective actuator piston toward theprimary articulation control ring 560, and function as a backup to, andreplacement for, the rocker arms 550 that failed to operate or fullyoperate as a result of a failed split-track operation. In an embodiment,the extent of axial movement of the primary articulation control ring560 caused by the actuator group is equal or substantially equal to themovement of primary articulation control ring 560 caused by rocker arms500, and primary articulation control ring 560 thereafter actuatessecondary articulation control ring 570 and the tertiary control ring580, as described above. Consequently, during any redundant AOS mode oneor more sacrificial parts will break or become de-coupled as furtherdescribed in Section 10.4.

It should be appreciated that the AOS functions described herein operateon any ECP 10 type, including without limitation, nesting-ECPs 20 asdescribed in Section 13.3.

10.4 Sacrificial Parts FIGS. 15D-15J

Referring now to FIGS. 15D-15J, FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, FIG. 10, FIG. 12A andFIG. 14, when any redundant AOS mode is activated (e.g., due to failureof the sections of the cam track assembly to fully separate and therebydecouple the ECP shaft 140 articulation control system), sacrificialcomponents of the articulation control system will systematically failto decouple the articulation control system from the ECP shaft 140. Theredundant backup actuator systems are designed to prevent catastrophicdamage to the KFECS 100 from one or more ECPs 10, or any other ECPembodiments, including but not limited to all ECPs 20 as described inSection 13, being in an orientation that exceeds design specifications,for example, exceeding the fluid speed for which a particular KFECS 100is rated. One or more redundant backup actuator systems may be triggeredwhen the AOS detects a failed ball screw assembly 505 operation ormotorized articulation control assembly 400 failure. The redundantbackup actuator systems incorporate follower assemblies havingsacrificial shafts 256 for an embodiment with a track follower assembly254, such as magnetic cam track assembly 250 (or sacrificial shaft 495for triple cam track 460 (see FIG. 12D and FIG. 15I) or sacrificialshafts 317 for an embodiment with a lubricant filled cam track assembly300 (see FIG. 10). For a motor-driven articulation 400, a sacrificialshear pin 406 connects each pinion 404 to the shaft of its correspondingmotor 402 (see FIG. 15J). In the event of a failed cam track separationoperation, as a redundant backup system causes the primary articulationcontrol ring 560 to move through its length of travel, any sacrificialshaft 256, sacrificial shaft 317 or sacrificial shaft 495 that is not inits slipstream orientation will be sacrificed and broken to decouple theassociated follower assembly from the track and permit all ECPs 10 to bearticulated into their slipstream orientations. The sacrificial partsallow all cams 590 to be moved into, or remain in, their slipstreampositions irrespective of the failed cam track separation operation. Inan embodiment with motorized articulation control, in the event of afailed motorized articulation to a slipstream orientation, the shear pin406 will be sacrificed and broken to decouple each ring gear 408 andassociated ECP shaft 140 from the motor(s) 402, thereby allowing allECPs 10 to be moved to or remain in, their slipstream orientationirrespective of the orientation of the motorized ECP shaft 140orientation.

11. Computer Controlled Functions and Sub-Systems FIG. 16.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in various embodiments, the KFECS 100 embodiesredundant failsafe systems, which may be monitored and controlled by anonboard or remote computer and which may be protected by one or moreuninterruptible power supplies. In a computer-controlled failsafesystem, a computer may receive inputs from sensors that monitorconditions internal and external to the KFECS 100. Sensor-monitoredconditions include, but are not limited to, fluid speed and direction,internal clearances between mechanical components, temperatures internaland external to the KFECS 100, revolutions per minute of any rotatingshaft, fluid levels, lubricant levels, brake states (brakes on or off),and clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly service hours.

Using inputs from the sensors, the computer controls numerous KFECS 100functions, irrespective if it is a land-based KFECS 100 or water-basedKFECS 100, including without limitation, the KFECS's 100 orientation tothe fluid flow, the ECP's working and slipstream orientations during AOSoperations and motorized articulation control, braking operations of theKFECS 100, and equalizing the time that each clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assembly is engaged and converting mechanical energy toelectricity, a compressed gas, or pressurized fluid.

In various embodiments, computer monitored conditions and operationsthat are exclusive to KFECS 100 water-based installations include butare not limited the KFECS' 100 yaw, pitch, and depth relative to thewater surface. Using these inputs, the computer controls numerousfunctions, as further described below.

12. Orientation Control and Conversion Unit—FIG. 17A-FIG. 17D

12.1 Hub Orientation Control

Referring now to FIG. 17A-FIG. 17D, in an embodiment, a hub orientationcontrol system comprises one or more computer-controlled hub orientationcontrol motors 710 engaged with the orientation gear 700 coaxiallymounted to the hub carrier 130 and supported by a superstructure 900located at or near the ground, or ground-based structure, as the casemay be, for a vertical axis land-based KFECS 100.

Exemplary hub orientation motor locations on other KFECS 100 embodimentsare shown in FIG. 22A-FIG. 22D, FIG. 23C, FIG. 23D and FIG. 24A. Asshown in FIG. 17A, FIG. 17B and FIG. 17D, hub orientation control motors710 may be mounted to or carried by a plate 902 within a hub orientationmotor housing 750, or a functional equivalent, which is supported by thesuperstructure 900, or a functional equivalent, including withoutlimitation a (i) turn table style base assembly 908 (see FIGS. 22A and22C), (ii) superstructure 960 (see FIGS. 23C and 23D) and (iii)superstructure 972 (see FIGS. 24A and 24B).

The computer receives input from any number of sensors and sources,including without limitation a fluid direction indicator 810 (see FIG.1A), and causes the hub orientation control motors 710 to turnassociated pinions 720, which turn the orientation gear 700, or othergears in other embodiments described in Section 14, thereby rotating theKFECS 100 to its optimal orientation relative to the oncoming fluidflow, or any other position, as directed by the computer. Suitable flowdirection and speed indicator sensors are known in the art.

12.2 Brakes—FIG. 17A

Still referring to FIG. 17A, one or more computer-controlled brakeassemblies 760 are mounted within a clutch/gearbox/brake housing 730supported by the superstructure 900 and, when actuated, are operablycoupled with one or more brake discs 770. The brake assemblies 760, maycomprise calipers that, when actuated, create resistance between theirrespective pads and the brake disc 770, which is connected or otherwiseoperably linked to the hub 120, or hub 180 in some embodiments, therebystopping the rotations of all hubs 120 and hub 180 about thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130.

12.3 Mechanical Energy Transfer to Gearbox/Electrical Generator/PumpAssemblies—FIG. 5A

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C and FIG. 6A, mechanical energy is transferredfrom the hub 120, to the operably linked bevel gear 600 (coupled, e.g.,to hub end 121), to the operably coupled pinion gear 610, to theoperably linked clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly 620.Other embodiments of the KFECS 100 may transfer mechanical energy to theone or more respective operably linked clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assembly 620 using additional components. For example,referring now to FIG. 22A and FIG. 22 B, a land-based KFECS 100 with thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 that is approximately parallelto the land, or land-based structure upon which it fixedly attached, oneor more ring gears 602 and hub extensions 122 (see FIG. 22A) are used totransfer mechanical energy from the hub 120 and/or hub 180 and theirrespective extensions, for example hub end 121, to one or more operablycoupled pinions 621 and operably linked clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assemblies 620.

Referring now to FIG. 22 C and FIG. 22D, another embodiment for aland-based KFECS 100 with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130that is approximately parallel to the land, or land-based structure uponwhich it fixedly attached, provides for the transfer of mechanicalenergy from hubs 120 and 180 to clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pumpassemblies 620 through one or more operably coupled driveshaft and gearsets as described in Section 14.2.

FIG. 23C shows a water-based KFECS 100 with a longitudinal axis of thehub carrier 130 (see also 131 on FIG. 1A) that is transverse to (e.g.,generally perpendicular to) the surface of the water in which the KFECS100 is tethered to the bottom or otherwise submerged below the surfaceof the body of water, and which includes a gearbox/brake housing 740. Asshown in FIG. 23D, gearbox/brake housing 740 enables theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly 620 to be orientedwith its longitudinal axis co-planer to the vertical axis of the hubcarrier 130 (vertical position), whereby it can more easily locatedabove the water surface, all as more fully described in Section 14.3.

FIG. 24A shows a water-based KFECS 100 with the longitudinal axis of thehub carrier 130 that is approximately parallel to surface of the waterin which the KFECS 100 is tethered to the bottom or otherwise submergedbeneath the surface of the body of water. One or more hub extensions 122supporting ring gears 606 that are rotationally coupled to the hubs 120and 180 are used to transfer mechanical energy from hub 120 and/or hub180 to one or more operably coupled clutch/gearbox/electricalgenerator/pump assemblies 620, all as more fully described in Section14.4.

13. Energy Conversion Plates—FIG. 18A-FIG. 18F and FIG. 19A-FIG. 19F

13.1. General

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18F, FIGS. 19A-19F and still referring toFIG. 1A, the ECP 10 and nesting ECP 20 include leading edges that aredesigned to reduce drag coefficient for all leading surfaces that areoriented toward oncoming fluid flow. The term “leading” means theforward most edge of an ECP 10 and nesting ECP 20 that is nearest to, orfirst to encounter, an oncoming fluid flow. All leading edges,irrespective of the embodiment, may be tapered or beveled. Each ECP 10has a leading edge 14, a trailing edge 18, and opposed, planar surfaces19-A and 19-B (see FIGS. A, B, D-F), extending between the leading andtrailing edges 14, 18, and which planer surface 19-A defines the fluidimpingement surface when the ECP 10 is in its working mode orientation.Each ECP 20 has a leading edge 24, a trailing edge 29, and opposed,planar surfaces 33 and 34 (see FIGS. 19A, 19C-19F), extending betweenthe leading and trailing edges 24, 29, and which planer surface 33defines the fluid impingement surface when the ECP 20 is in its workingmode orientation.

In the embodiments shown, each ECP 10 leading horizontal (X coordinate)edge 14, and the leading vertical (Y coordinate) edge 15 may be taperedor beveled. Similarly, each ECP 20 leading horizontal (X coordinate)edge 24, and the leading vertical (Y coordinate) edge 29 may be taperedor beveled. Each ECP 10 and nesting ECP 20 may also be comprised of oneor more sections, each connected to its adjacent section(s). Thenon-nesting ECP 10 may include an inboard section 11, an extensionsection 12, and an outboard section 13, each of which, may include on ormore integral air chambers 16, that when used in a water-based KFECS 100may be used to obtain a neutral buoyancy for the ECP 10, therebyreducing the radial load on the ECP 10 and operably coupled and fixedlylinked components. All ECP sections, when assembled, act as a single ECP10 or nesting ECP 20 as described in Section 13.3. The design of the ECP10 and nesting ECP 20, including without limitation, its aspect ratio(width to height), number of sections used to comprise it, and surfacefinish, are within a designer's choice for satisfying performance andinstallation requirements. It should be appreciated that the aspectratios are only constrained by the overall size of the KFECS 100, thedimensions of its hubs 120 and 180, and material's properties. It shouldalso be appreciated that any ECP 10 referenced within Sections 1-12could be replaced by a nesting ECP 20.

13.2. Non-Nesting Energy Conversion Plate—FIG. 18A and FIG. 18D

Still referring to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18D, in one embodiment of a hub 180comprising multiple ECPs, when all ECPs 10 are simultaneously in aposition parallel to the fluid flow (slipstream) as shown, do notcontact nor overlap any adjacent ECP 10.

13.3. Nesting Energy Conversion Plate—FIGS. 19A-19D

FIG. 19A-FIG. 19D shows one embodiment of a nesting ECP 20. Each nestingECP 20 includes a leading edge pocket 30 (section of reduced platethickness) extending along the leading edge 24 and a trailing edgepocket 26 (section of reduced plate thickness) extending along thetrailing edge 29 and disposed on the opposite side of the ECP from theleading edge pocket 30. As shown in FIG. 19E, ECPs 20 are configured sothat when all ECPs 20 of hub 180 are simultaneously in a positionparallel to the fluid flow (slipstream), the leading edge pocket 30 ofeach nesting ECP 20 nests with the trailing edge pocket 26 of thefollowing nesting ECP 20 (relative to the direction of hub rotation).Trailing edge pocket 26 includes edges 27 and 28 that are contoured tonest with the leading edges 31 and 32 of an adjacent nesting ECP 20.This embodiment enables the surface area of the nesting ECP 20 to beincreased over the surface area of non-nesting ECPs. The size of thenesting ECP 20 is limited only by the distance between the axis ofarticulation “A” of the nesting ECP 20 and the axis of articulation “A”of the adjacent nesting ECP 20. The nesting ECP 20 has leading edges 24,25, 31 and 32, to reduce drag coefficient while the nesting ECP 20 isrotated through various orientations of its slipstream position. EachECP 20 may be assembled of any number of operably linked subassemblies,for example the three ECP subassemblies 21, 22 and 23 (see FIGS.19A-19B) that, when operably linked, may comprise an entire ECP 20. TheECP 20 assemblage may be similar in all respects to that of an ECP 10(see FIG. 18C).

Referring now to FIG. 19E and still referring to FIG. 19A-FIG. 19D,leading edge nesting pockets 30 and trailing edge nesting pockets 26permit all ECPs 20 to simultaneously be in their slipstream position asseen in FIG. 19E. FIG. 19F shows only two counter-rotating ECPs 20—oneper hub 120 and 180—although each hub may have one, two, three, four,five, or more ECPs 20.

Referring now to FIG. 19F and still referring to FIG. 19A-FIG. 19D, anembodiment of the KFECS 100 that supports nesting ECPs 20 includeselongated hub extensions 215 coupled to hubs 120 and 180, all of whichprovide working area (sufficient clearance) for ECPs 20 with a largersurface area.

13.4. Energy Conversion Plate—Surface Detail FIG. 20A-FIG. 20B

Referring now to FIG. 20A, the surface of non-nesting ECP 10 (see FIG.18A-FIG. 18D) and nesting ECP 20 (see FIG. 19A-FIG. 19D) may betextured, or dimpled (see FIG. 20A-20B, or any combination thereof, toincrease its drag coefficient on any of its surface area used to convertkinetic fluid energy to mechanical energy, and consequently increase theKFECS's 100 total amount of fluid energy converted to mechanical energy.Any surface area may also have a surface finish designed to minimizedrag coefficient as the surface moves against the fluid flow. Suchsurfaces include, but are not limited to leading edges 14, 15, 24, 25,31 and 32, which may beveled or otherwise shaped to minimize fluiddynamic drag.

14. Superstructure Embodiments—General—FIG. 21

Referring now to FIG. 21, and FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1B, the hub carrier 130serves as the central structural component in all embodiments of theKFECS 100. That is, in various embodiments, the hub carrier 130 mayfunction as an alignment axis that coaxially aligns the hub(s) and othercomponents, and all components that are radially oriented are radiallyoriented with respect to the hub carrier.

The hub carrier 130 can be supported and/or stabilized at its endsand/or at one or more positions intermediate to the ends, for example atthe perimeter plate 215. The hub carrier 130, together with the overalldesign of the KFECS 100, permits the KFECS 100 to be mounted with thelongitudinal axis 131 of the hub carrier 130 (see FIG. 1A) in anyorientation, including but not limited to, horizontal, vertical anddiagonal.

In various embodiments, irrespective of the non-nesting ECP 10 ornesting ECP 20 embodiment used, all ECP types may be in their slipstreamorientation between 130° and 210° (see FIG. 8J). Consequently,superstructure components can be connected to the perimeter plate 215 atand near the 180° position without being in the path of an ECP 10 ornesting ECP 20 in its working position when the KFECS 100 is operablyconnected to a turn-table style base, thereby enabling thesuperstructure to be connected to the perimeter plate 215 at the pointnearest the maximum moment exerted upon hub carrier 130 (the pointfurthest from the oncoming fluid flow). In other words, the system willbe exposed to a load, perpendicular to the hub carrier, from the fluidpressure. In some embodiments, the entirety of the lateral load would beon the hub carrier. However, because the ECPs articulate to theirslipstream position as they approach and leave the 180° position, anadditional superstructure component including without limitation astructural tube, beam or cable, could be fixed between the base and theperimeter plate at or near the 180° without colliding with the plates,thereby reducing the moment on the hub carrier.

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments it is thedesigner's choice as to when an ECP 10 or nesting ECP 20 may be in itsslipstream, transition, or working orientation to the flow throughoutthe ECP's 360° rotation about the longitudinal axis 131 of the hubcarrier 130 as further described in Section 9.

14.1. Superstructure—Land-Based Vertical—FIG. 21

Still referring to FIG. 21, where the KFECS 100 is used to convert windenergy to mechanical energy, one embodiment is as shown with thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 oriented perpendicular to theland or land-based structure upon which it is located. In thisorientation, the KFECS 100 may be entirely supported by the hub carrier130 and operably coupled base 900 when the base 900 is operably linkedto the ground or a ground-based structure such as a building.

14.2. Superstructure—Land-Based Horizontal—FIGS. 22A-22D

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 22A, 22B, where the KFECS 100 is used toconvert wind energy to mechanical energy, one embodiment is as shownwith the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 oriented parallel tothe ground or a ground-based structure. In this orientation, the KFECS100 may be entirely supported by a superstructure 905 supporting the hubcarrier 130 and perimeter plate 215 and supported on a turntable-stylebase assembly 908. One or more clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pumpassemblies 620 may be supported on a turntable mounting plate 910 andare operably coupled by a pinion 621 to a ring gear 602, which issupported on hub extension spokes 122, and which is (i) operably coupledto the hub carrier 130, and (ii) fixedly linked to respective hub 120 orhub 180.

The orientation of the turntable style base assembly 908 may be variedby one or more hub orientation control motors 710 which are operablylinked to a turntable-style base assembly 908 and are also operablycoupled to the turntable ring gear 912 by a operably coupled pinion 720.The turntable-style base assembly 908 is also operably linked to theground or ground-based structure. This configuration enables thecomputer-controlled hub orientation motors 710 to cause the KFECS 100 tobe continuously optimally oriented relative to the oncoming fluid flow,or any other computer-controlled direction, based upon the inputsreceived by one or more fluid speed and direction sensors 810 or anyother computer input.

In an embodiment electricity, high pressure fluid and/or high pressuregaseous mixture converted by, or compressed by, as the case may be, theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly(ies) 620 do notrequire rotatable coupling as the computer controlled hub orientationcontrol motors 710 are configured so that KFECS 100 is never rotatedabout the center point of the turn-table style base assembly 908 by morethan a 360° rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise movement.If necessary to accommodate KFECS 100 reorientation due to fluid flowdirection change, the AOS may be temporarily activated to avoid anoverspeed condition while the KFECS 100 is being reoriented to thechanged fluid flow direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 22C, 22D, where the KFECS 100 is used toconvert wind energy to mechanical energy, in one embodiment thelongitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 (i.e., the axis of rotation ofthe hubs 120, 180) is oriented parallel to the ground or a ground-basedstructure. In this orientation, the KFECS 100 may be entirely supportedby a superstructure 905 supporting the hub carrier 130 and perimeterplate 215 and supported on a turntable-style base assembly 908. One ormore clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assemblies 620 may besupported on a turntable mounting plate 910. Each assembly 620 includesa bevel gear 607. A bevel gear 607-A is operably linked to, androtatable with, the hub 120 and/or hub 180. A transmission comprising adrive shaft 609, an upper bevel gear 608-A connected to one end of driveshaft 609 and coupled to bevel gear 607-A, and a lower bevel gear 608connected to an opposite end of drive shaft 609 and coupled to bevelgear 607 transmits rotation of the hubs 120, 180 to rotation of theassembly 620. A superstructure mount 905-A may be provided to stabilizethe drive shaft 609.

The orientation of the turntable mounting plate 910 may be varied by oneor more hub orientation control motors 710. Hub orientation controlmotors 710 are mounted to the turntable-style base assembly 908 and arealso operably coupled to a turntable ring gear 912 surrounding turntablemounting plate 910 by a operably coupled pinion 720. The turntable-stylebase assembly 908 may be mounted or otherwise supported by the ground orground-based structure. This configuration enables the hub orientationcontrol motors 710 to cause the KFECS 100 to be continuously optimallyoriented relative to the oncoming fluid flow, or any other desireddirection. Hub orientation control motors 710 may be computer controlledin accordance with a control algorithm and computer-monitored sensorinputs, including, for example, one or more fluid speed and directionsensors 810 or any other sensor or computer input.

In an embodiment, electricity, high pressure fluid and/or high pressuregaseous mixture converted by, or compressed by, as the case may be, theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly(ies) 620 do notrequire rotatable coupling to external electric or fluid transmissioncomponents as the hub orientation control motors 710 are configured sothat KFECS 100 is never rotated about the center point of the turn-tablestyle base assembly by more than a 360° rotation in either a clockwiseor counterclockwise movement. If necessary to accommodate KFECS 100reorientation due to fluid flow direction change, the AOS may betemporarily activated to avoid an overspeed condition while the KFECS100 is being reoriented to the changed fluid flow direction.

14.3. Superstructure—Water-Based Vertical—FIGS. 23A-23D

Referring now to FIGS. 23A-23D, and FIG. 1A, where the KFECS 100 is usedto convert kinetic water energy to mechanical energy, one embodiment isas shown with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 orientedrelatively perpendicular to the surface of the body of water in which itis located. In this embodiment, the KFECS 100 can be entirely supportedby a superstructure 960 which may comprise baffles 955 and 956containing air or other buoyant material) and operably linked andprotective cover 950. Gearbox/winch assemblies 962 and pulleys 963 areoperably linked to superstructure 960. Each gearbox/winch assembly 962may be computer controlled and is also operably linked to a respectivecable 964, which is operably coupled to pulley 967-A, which is operablylinked to a respective ballast 966 and the cable 964 is operably linkedto a hub carrier stabilizer plate 968, which is operably coupled to thehub carrier 130 where the hub carrier 130 extends past hub carrier 180(see FIG. 1A). The gearbox/winch assemblies 962 control the tension ofeach respective operably linked cable 964. The gearbox/winch assemblies962 consequently can control (i) the X and Y orientation of the KFECS100 relative to a plumb position and (ii) the depth of the KFECS 100relative to the water surface by increasing or decreasing the amountcable 964 contained within any or all gearbox/winch assemblies 962. Thegearbox/winch assemblies 962 enable releasing sufficient cable 964 topermit the KFECS 100 to raise in the water to a point that the KFECS's100 gearbox/brake assembly 740 is above water surface, or optionally, topermit raising and/or removing the KFECS 100 out of the water byconventional lifting equipment.

The gearbox/winch assemblies, 962, pullies 963, cables 964, pulleys,967-A, ballasts 966, and components fixedly and/or operably linked oroperably coupled thereto comprise an example of a deep water mountingsystem, capable of being computer controlled, with a depth limited onlyby the (i) gearbox/winch assemblies' 962 capacity to store cables 964,(ii) length and physical characteristics of cables 964, and (iii) spacebetween the cover 950 and the superstructure 960 (see FIGS. 23A and23C).

Referring now to FIG. 23C and FIG. 23D, one or moreclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assemblies 620 are also (i)operably linked to the superstructure 960 and (ii) operably coupled, forexample, via a pinion and shaft 611, to a gear 604 which is operablycoupled to the hub 120 (as is bevel gear 600 as described in Section 5.

The superstructure 960 is also operably linked to the fluid orientationmotor housing 750-A, which is operably linked to plate 902, which isoperably linked to hub orientation control motors 710, which areoperably coupled to pinions 720, which are operably coupled to thelinked to the plate 902, which is operable linked to and are alsooperably coupled to the orientation gear 700, which is operably linkedto the hub carrier 130. This configuration enables the hub orientationcontrol motors 710 to cause the KFECS 100 to be continuously optimallypositioned relative to the oncoming fluid flow, or any othercomputer-controlled direction, based upon the inputs received by one ormore fluid speed and direction sensors 810 or any other computer input.

The brake disc 770 (see FIG. 23-D) and braking system that may stop therotations of the hubs 120 and 180 about the longitudinal axis of carrier130 are further described in Section 12.2.

Electricity, high pressure fluid and/or high pressure gaseous mixtureconverted by, or compressed by, as the case may be, theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly(ies) 620 (See FIG.23D) flows through the hub carrier 130 and operably linked umbilicalcord 970 (see FIG. 23C) to their respective destination, including butnot limited to a land-based connection points such as an electricalgrid, hydraulic pump(s) and/or compressed air tank(s) (not shown). Thehub carrier 130 design, including the hub carrier chase 132 (see FIG.5A) enables the connection of electric harness, fiber optic cable,electric transmission cable, hydraulic, pneumatic or other similarsystems to connect from the clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pumpassembly(ies) 620 and from within the clutch/gearbox/brake housing tothe umbilical cord 970 without the need for any rotary couplings.

14.4. Superstructure—Water-Based Horizontal—FIGS. 24A, 24B

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 24A and 24B, where the KFECS 100 is used toconvert kinetic water energy to mechanical energy, one embodiment is asshown with the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130 orientedrelatively parallel to the surface of the body of water in which it islocated. In this embodiment, the KFECS 100 includes a protective cover950, and can be entirely supported by the superstructure 972 (which maycomprise baffles 955-A, 955-B and 957 containing air or other buoyantmaterial). The superstructure 972 is operably linked to the hub carriersuperstructure 980, which is operably linked to the (i) hub carrier 130and (ii) generator mounting plate 978.

The superstructure 972 is also operably linked to (i) gearbox/winchassemblies 962, which may be computer controlled, and pulleys 963. Eachgearbox/winch assembly 962 is also operably coupled to each respectivepulley 963, by a respective cable 964, which is operably linked toballast mounting attachment 967, such as a pulley as shown, which isoperably linked to a respective ballast 966.

The computer controlled gearbox/winch assemblies 962 control the tensionof each respective operably linked cable 964. The computer controlledgearbox/winch assemblies 962 consequently can control (i) the X and Yorientation of the KFECS 100 relative to a plumb position and (ii) thedepth of the KFECS 100 relative to the water surface by selectivelyincreasing or decreasing the amount cable 964 contained within any orall gearbox/winch assemblies 962. The computer controlled gearbox/winchassemblies 962 enable releasing sufficient cable 964 to permit the KFECS100 to raise in the water to a point that the superstructure 972 of theKFECS 100 is at or above the water surface, or optionally, to permitraising and/or removing the KFECS 100 out of the water by conventionallifting equipment.

The plurality of the KFECS 100 gearbox/winch assemblies, 962, cables964, ballasts 966 and components fixedly and/or operably linked oroperably coupled thereto, comprise another embodiment of a deep watermounting system with a depth limited only by the gearbox/winchassemblies' 962 capacity to store cables 964, the length and physicalcharacteristics of cables 964, and the space between the cover 950 andthe superstructure 972.

One or more hub orientation control motors 710 are operably linked tothe superstructure 972 and are also linked to a pinion 720, which isoperably coupled to turntable ring gear 974, which is operably linked togenerator mounting plate 978. The generator mounting plate 978, islocated upon a low friction perimeter bearing 973-A (see FIG. 24B),extending circumferentially about flange 973 which is formed withinsuperstructure 972. This configuration enables the computer-controlledhub orientation motors 710 to cause the KFECS 100 to be continuouslyoptimally oriented relative to the oncoming fluid flow, or any othercomputer-controlled direction, based upon the inputs received by one ormore fluid speed and direction sensors 810 (see FIG. 1A) or any othercomputer input.

Mechanical energy is transferred from hub 120 and hub 180 via one ormore hub extension spokes 122 which are operably linked to a ring gear606, which is operably linked to pinion 606-A, which are operablycoupled with one or more clutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pumpassemblies 620.

Electricity, high pressure fluid and/or high pressure gaseous mixtureconverted by, or compressed by, as the case may be, theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly(ies) 620 flows throughthe hub carrier 130 and operably linked umbilical cord 970 to theirrespective destination, including but not limited to land-basedconnection points such as an electrical grid, hydraulic pump(s) and/orcompressed air tank(s) (not shown). The hub carrier 130 design,including the hub carrier chase 132 (see FIG. 5A) enables the connectionof electric harness, fiber optic cable, electric transmission cable,hydraulic, pneumatic or other similar systems to connect from theclutch/gearbox/electrical generator/pump assembly(ies) 620 and fromwithin the clutch/gearbox/brake housing to the umbilical cord 970without the need for any rotary couplings.

15. Cowling

Referring now to FIGS. 25A-25D, and FIG. 1A, the KFECS 100 may beconfigured with a cowling 1000 to improve the characteristics of fluidflow that contacts the ECPs 10, or 20 when using nesting ECPs, includingwithout limitation by acting as a concentrator, and to isolate aspectsof the KFECS 100 from exposure to the elements in which it is located,including without limitation, water, debris or wildlife. The cowling1000 may be fixedly linked to (i) the hub carrier 130 via a connectionboss 1150 and (ii) either embodiment of the perimeter plate 215 or 215-A(see FIGS. 13A and 13C), thereby causing the cowling 1000 to at alltimes to remain optimally oriented to the fluid flow as the cowling 1000will rotate with the hub carrier 130 when reoriented by the huborientation control system. The cowling 1000 may include a lower intakeport 1010 and an upper intake port 1020 aligned with the respective ECPs10, or 20 (when using nesting ECPs), of the upper and lower hubs 120-A,180-A (see FIG. 13E) when the ECPS 10, or 20 are primarily in theirworking mode behind the intake ports. Conversely, the cowling 1000 isclosed on the side of each hub 120-A and 180-B opposite the side of theworking ECPs 10 or 20 and largely blocks the oncoming fluid flow fromcontacting an ECP 10 or 20 while in its respective slipstream mode. Thecowling may also include a lower hub exhaust port 1015 and an upper hubexhaust port 1025 opposite their respective intake ports 1010 and 1020.The intake ports 1010 and 1020, and exhaust ports 1015 and 1025 may alsobe shaped to increase the flow that reaches the working ECPs 10 or 20.The cowling 1000 may further include a base 1005 that may include (i)ventilation louvers 1120 located on the side of the hub optimallyoriented to the fluid flow to permit incoming ventilation to theclutch/gearbox/generator assemblies 620, (ii) exhaust louvers 1130 on anopposite side (FIG. 25B) to further ventilate theclutch/generator/gearbox assemblies 620, and (iii) sufficient area formultiple penetrations, for numerous purposes, including but not limitedto access panels and doors.

Referring now to FIGS. 25E-25F and still referring to 25A-25D, and FIG.1A, cowling 1000 may include a separator plate 1070 that may be fixedlylinked via a boss 1100 to (i) either embodiment of the perimeter plate215, or 215-A, and/or (II) the cowling 1000 so that separator plate 1070(i.e., separator plate 1070 may be employed without the cowling 1000)always remains optimally oriented to the oncoming fluid flow and preventany ECPs 10 or 20 from coming in contact with separator plate 1070. Theseparator plate 1070 may be located between any two counter-rotating hubassemblies, for example hubs 120 and 180, and extends from intake port1010 to exhaust port 1015 and from intake port 1020 to exhaust port1025. The separator plate 1070 improves the characteristics of theoncoming fluid flow that contacts the counter-rotating ECPs 10 or 20 inpart by preventing the fluid flow that contacts ECPs 10 or 20 attachedto hub 120 from disturbing the flow that contacts ECPs 10 or 20 attachedto hub 180, and vice versa (e.g., separator plate 1070 prevents theturbulence from one hub interfering with the axially adjacent hub).

Referring now to FIG. 25 F. the cowling 1000 may also include a topplate 1105 located near the top of the cowling 1110 and bottom plate1050 that is located near the ECP 10 or 20 that rotates past it (aboveand below, respectively). The separator plate 1070, top plate 1105,bottom plate 1050, and cowling 1000 each have the additional benefit ofincreasing the dynamic pressure on the ECPs 10 or 20 while in theirworking mode positions (e.g., by concentrating flow impinging on theworking ECPs 10 or 20) and lowering the dynamic pressure on the ECPs 10or 20 while in their slipstream mode positions (by blocking flow fromimpinging on the ECPs 10 or 20 while in their slipstream orientations).The cowling 1000 may also include external collectors at the intakeports 1010 and 1020 areas where the fluid flow enters them it therebyfurther increasing the dynamic pressure on the ECPs 10 or 20, andconsequently increasing the total horsepower and related energyconversion output of the KFECS 100.

It should be appreciated that the cowling 1000 provides sufficient areato support embodiments that could block the fluid flow from intake ports1010 and 1020, and exhaust ports 1025 and 1015, thereby supportinganother embodiment of overspeed protection or maintenance purposeswhereby its desirable to control, restrict or block the fluid flow fromcontacting ECPs 10 or 20.

Separator plate 1070 may be disposed at different axial positions(relative to the hub axis of rotation) for adjacent hubs to accommodatethe width of the respective ECPs 10 or 20 while in their working modes.For example, as shown in FIG. 25A, the top edge of left intake port 1010(which corresponds to the bottom surface of separator plate 1070extending from the intake port 1010) is above the bottom edge of rightintake port 1020 (which corresponds to the top surface of separatorplate 1070 extending from the intake port 1020). Thus, the separatorplate 1070 on the right-hand side (1070-A) of the cowling 1000) in FIG.25A will be at a different axial location than the separator plate 1070on the left-hand (1070-B) side of the cowling 1000. Separator plate 1070may include a transition area 1090 between the right-hand and left-handsides of the separator plate. In an embodiment, the angle of thetransition area may generally conform to the path of the upper edge ofthe lower hub ECP or the lower edge of the upper hub ECP, as applicable,as the respective ECP transitions from its working orientationperpendicular to the oncoming flow to its slipstream orientationparallel to the oncoming flow.

While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shownin considerable detail with reference to certain illustrativeembodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations offeatures, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that suchembodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations,changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the preferred embodiments. It should beunderstood that various alternatives to the embodiments described hereinmay be employed in practicing the preferred embodiments. It is intendedthat the following claims define the scope of the preferred embodimentsand that methods and structures within the scope of these claims andtheir equivalents be covered thereby.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

One or more of the following features and benefits may be encompassed byor achievable by embodiments described herein.

1. A system comprising:

at least one hub rotatable about a hub axis of rotation;

one or more articulating plates extending radially from the hub androtatable therewith, wherein each articulating plate is configured to bearticulable about a plate articulation axis that is oriented radiallywith respect to the hub axis of rotation; and

an articulation control system configured to independently controlorientation of each plate with respect to the associated platearticulation axis, wherein each plate is operably coupled to thearticulation control system so that the articulation control systemchanges the orientation of the plate as the hub rotates about the hubaxis of rotation.

2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the hub axis of rotation isoriented vertically, horizontally, or any angle therebetween.

3. The system of embodiment 1, comprising two or more hubs, each hubbeing axially adjacent with respect to the hub axis of rotation to atleast one other hub, wherein each hub is rotatable about the same hubaxis of rotation, and wherein each hub is configured to rotate in anopposite direction than the axially adjacent hub.

4. The system of embodiment 3, further comprising a separator platedisposed between each hub and at least one axially-adjacent hub, whereinthe separator plate is fixed with respect to the hub axis of rotationand is configured so as not to interfere with rotation of thearticulating plates with the hub about the hub axis of rotation orarticulation of the articulating plates about their respective axes ofrotation.

5. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the separator plate isconfigured to prevent the fluid flow passing through each hub fromaffecting the fluid flow of the adjacent hub.

6. The system of embodiment 3, further comprising at least onecounter-rotating transmission between each hub and an axially-adjacenthub to rotationally couple each hub to the axially-adjacent hub, whereinthe counter-rotating transmission comprises:

a ring gear on each hub and the axially-adjacent hub, wherein each ringgear is coaxially arranged with respect to the hub axis of rotation; and

a plurality of pinion gears angularly spaced about the hub axis ofrotation, wherein each pinion gear is rotatable about a pinion axis thatis oriented radially with respect to the hub axis of rotation, andwherein the pinion gears are disposed between the ring gears on each huband the axially-adjacent hub, such that rotation of each hub about thehub axis of rotation in a first direction causes a correspondingrotation of the axially-adjacent hub in a second direction about the hubaxis of rotation opposite the first direction.

7. The system of embodiment 6, comprising at least two counter-rotatingtransmissions between each hub and an axially-adjacent hub, wherein thering gears of each of the counter-rotating transmissions have adifferent diameter.

8. The system of any one of embodiments 3 to 7, further comprising anon-rotating perimeter plate disposed between pairs of hubs rotating inopposite directions.

9. The system of any one of embodiments 3 to 7, further comprising a hubcarrier comprising a tube that is coaxially arranged with respect to thehub axis of rotation, wherein each hub is rotationally mounted withrespect to the hub carrier so as to be rotatable about the hub carrier,and the hub carrier is fixed against rotation with the hubs.

10. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising afloat assembly to which the at least one hub, the one or morearticulating plates, and the articulation control system are attached,and wherein the float assembly is configure to buoyantly support the atleast one hub, the one or more articulating plates, and the articulationcontrol system within a body of water and with the at least one hub, theone or more articulating plates, and the articulation control systemsubmerged below the surface of the body of water.

11. The system of embodiment 10, wherein the float assembly is anchoredwithin the body of water by at least three cables connecting the floatassembly to a ballast mounting attachment, wherein the system furthercomprises an automated winch assembly associated with each cable andconfigured to automatically control the length of the cable between thefloat assembly and the respective ballast mounting attachment so as tocontrol the orientation of the float assembly and the at least one hub,the one or more articulating plates, and the articulation control systembuoyantly supported thereby.

12. The system of embodiment 11, further comprising:

a perimeter plate fixed to the hub carrier and disposed between each huband the axially-adjacent hub; and

thrust bearings disposed between the perimeter plate and the hub andbetween the perimeter plate and the axially adjacent hub.

13. The system of embodiment 12, further comprising:

a brake housing surrounding the hub carrier and fixed with respect tothe hub carrier, wherein the brake housing is directly or indirectlycoupled to an axially end-most one of the two or more hubs; and

thrust bearings between the brake housing and the axially end-most hub.

14. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein eacharticulating plate comprises a shaft rotatably mounted to the hub anddefining the articulation axis of the associated plate, and wherein thearticulation control system comprises:

a fixed track assembly having a continuous track about its perimeter,wherein the continuous track circumscribes the hub axis of rotation; and

a follower assembly coupled to each shaft, wherein the follower assemblytraverses the continuous track as the hub and plate rotate about the hubaxis of rotation to vary the orientation of the plate with respect tothe articulation axis of the plate.

15. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the follower assembly isphysically connected to an associated shaft.

16. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the follower assembly ismagnetically coupled to an associated shaft.

17. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein eacharticulating plate comprises a shaft rotatably mounted to the hub anddefining the articulation axis of the associated plate, and wherein thearticulation control system comprises:

a first magnetic array;

a second magnetic array spaced apart from the first magnetic array andof opposite polarity than the first magnetic array;

a magnetized follower coupled to the shaft and disposed at leastpartially in the space between the first magnetic array and the secondmagnetic array; and

a controller adapted to selectively control the magnetic force of one ormore portions of at least one of the first and second magnetic arrays toeffect selective movement of the magnetic follower to cause rotation ofthe associated articulating plate.

18. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein eacharticulating plate comprises a shaft rotatably mounted to the hub anddefining the articulation axis of the associated plate, and wherein thearticulation control system comprises one or more motors operativelycoupled to each of the shafts and controlled to effect selectiverotation of the associated shaft.

19. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein eacharticulating plate is mounted to an associated shaft defining the platearticulation axis, and further comprising first and second stopsattached to the shaft at angularly-spaced positions, wherein the firststop is configured to prevent the associated articulating plate fromrotating about the plate articulation axis beyond a first orientation,and wherein the second stop is configured to prevent the associatedarticulating plate from rotating about the plate articulation axisbeyond a second orientation.

20. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein eacharticulating plate comprises a shaft rotatably mounted to the hub anddefining the articulation axis of the associated plate, and wherein thearticulation control system comprises:

a lubricant-filled chamber;

a fixed track assembly disposed within the lubricant-filled chamber andhaving a continuous track about its perimeter, wherein the continuoustrack circumscribes the hub axis of rotation;

a follower assembly associated with each articulating plate and disposedwithin the lubricant-filled chamber and engaged with the continuoustrack;

an outer magnetic coupling connected to each shaft and disposed outsideof the lubricant-filled chamber; and

an inner magnetic coupling connected to the follower assembly anddisposed within the lubricant-filled chamber, wherein the inner magneticcoupling is magnetically coupled to the outer magnetic coupling througha wall of the lubricant-filled chamber so that as the hub andarticulating plate rotate about the hub axis of rotation the followerassembly traverses the continuous track and varies the orientation ofthe plate with respect to the articulation axis of the plate.

21. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the fixed track assemblycomprises a split track assembly including a stationary track member anda movable track member that is movable with respect to the stationarytrack member in an axial direction with respect to the hub axis ofrotation, and wherein the stationary track member is separable from themovable track member along the continuous track.

22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein one of the stationary trackmember and the movable track member includes a female conical matingsurface and the other of the stationary track member and the movabletrack member includes a male conical mating surface, so that thestationary track member and the movable track member are self aligning.

23. The system of any one of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein thecontinuous track includes a first section, a second section, and firstand second transition sections between the first and second sections andwherein,

as the follower assembly traverses the first section of the track,engagement of the follower assembly with the first track section causesthe associated plate to assume a first orientation with respect to thearticulation axis of the plate,

as the follower assembly traverses the second section of the track,engagement of the follower assembly with the second track section causesthe associated plate to assume a second orientation with respect to thearticulation axis of the plate,

as the follower assembly traverses the first transition section of thetrack, engagement of the follower assembly with the first transitionsection causes the associated plate to transition from the firstorientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate to thesecond orientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate,and

as the follower assembly traverses the second transition section of thetrack, engagement of the follower assembly with the second transitionsection causes the associated plate to transition from the secondorientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate to thefirst orientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate.

24. The system of embodiment 23, wherein the first section of the tracklies in a first plane that is perpendicular to the hub axis of rotation,the second section of the track lies in a second plane that isperpendicular to the hub axis of rotation, and the first and secondsections of the track are axially spaced apart with respect to the hubaxis of rotation.

25. The system of any one of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein opposed sidesof the continuous track have an opposite magnetic polarity and thefollower assembly includes a follower head disposed within thecontinuous track and magnetized so that opposed sides of the followerhead have a magnetic polarity opposite the magnetic polarity of the sideof the continuous track facing that side of the follower head.

26. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the continuous track has acircular cross-sectional shape and the follower head has a sphericalshape.

27. The system any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein each plate hasopposed surfaces, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, and wherein thearticulation control system is configured to orient each plate in aslipstream orientation in which the opposed surfaces of the plate areparallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a first portion of eachrotation of the hub and in a working orientation in which the opposedsurfaces are not parallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for asecond portion of each rotation of the hub.

28. The system of embodiment 27, wherein the opposed surfaces areoriented perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the hub during thesecond portion of each rotation of the hub.

29 The system of embodiment 27 or embodiment 28, comprising a pluralityof articulating plates disposed at angularly-spaced positions about thehub and wherein adjacent articulating plates that are in theirslipstream orientations overlap one another, wherein each articulatingplate has a leading edge pocket of reduced thickness on a first surfaceof the plate and a trailing edge pocket of reduced thickness on a secondsurface of the plate, and wherein the leading edge pocket of onearticulating plate nests with the trailing edge pocket of an adjacentoverlapped articulating plate when the plates are in their slipstreamorientations.

30. The system of any one of 27 to 29, further comprising a huborientation control system comprising:

a sensor detecting a direction of a fluid flow transverse to the hubaxis of rotation; and

one or more actuators configured to reposition the hub about the hubaxis of rotation so that the articulating plates are in their slipstreamorientations for the first portion of each rotation of the hub in adirection against the direction of fluid flow and so that thearticulating plates are in their working orientations for the secondportion of each rotation of the hub in a direction with the direction offluid flow.

31. The system of any one of embodiments 27 to 30, further comprising acowling surrounding the at least one hub, wherein a part of the cowlingassociated with each hub is closed on a side of the cowlingcorresponding to the first portion of the hub's rotation and includes anintake port and an exhaust port on a side the cowling corresponding tothe second portion of the hub's rotation.

32. The system of embodiment 3, wherein each plate has opposed surfaces,a leading edge, and a trailing edge, and wherein the articulationcontrol system is configured to orient each plate in a slipstreamorientation in which the opposed surfaces of the plate are parallel tothe plane of rotation of each hub for a first portion of each rotationof the hub and in a working orientation in which the opposed surfacesare not parallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a secondportion of each rotation of the hub, and wherein the system furthercomprises:

a cowling surrounding the two or more hubs, wherein a part of thecowling associated with each hub is closed on a side of the cowlingcorresponding to the first portion of the hub's rotation and includes anintake port and an exhaust port on a side the cowling corresponding tothe second portion of the hub's rotation; and

a separator plate disposed within the cowling between each hub and atleast one axially-adjacent hub, wherein the separator plate is fixedwith respect to the hub axis of rotation and is configured so as not tointerfere with rotation of the articulating plates with the hub aboutthe hub axis of rotation or articulation of the articulating platesabout their respective axes of rotation.

33. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, further comprising anarticulation override system configured to override the articulationcontrol system and cause each plate to assume a desired, unchangingorientation while the articulation override system is activated.

34. The system of any one of embodiments 8 to 10, further comprising anarticulation override system configured to override the articulationcontrol system and orient each plate in its slipstream orientation atany angular position about the hub axis of rotation.

35. The system of embodiment 21, wherein each plate has opposedsurfaces, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, and wherein thearticulation control system is configured to orient each plate in aslipstream orientation in which the opposed surfaces of the plate areparallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a first portion of eachrotation of the hub and in a working orientation in which the opposedsurfaces are not parallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for asecond portion of each rotation of the hub, and wherein the systemfurther comprises an articulation override system configured to overridethe articulation control system and orient each plate in its slipstreamorientation at any angular position about the hub axis of rotation,wherein the articulation override system comprises:

one or more linear actuators configured to axially separate thestationary track member from the movable track member to disengage thefollower assembly of each articulating plate from the fixed trackassembly;

rocker arms coupling the movable track member to a primary override ringthat is coaxially oriented with respect to the hub axis of rotation sothat axial movement of the movable track member causes a correspondingaxial movement of the primary override ring; and

an actuator cam attached to the shaft of each articulating plate of aone of the hubs and configured to be contacted by the axially movingprimary override ring and retain each articulating plate at itsslipstream orientation.

36. The system of embodiment 35, further comprising:

a secondary override ring with lifters coupling the primary overridering to the secondary override ring;

a tertiary override ring with lifters coupling the secondary overridering to the tertiary override ring, so that the primary override ring,the secondary override ring and the tertiary override ring move axiallyin unison; and

an actuator cam attached to the shaft of each articulating plate of theaxially adjacent one of the hubs and configured to be contacted by theaxially moving tertiary override ring and retain each articulating plateof the axially adjacent hub at its slipstream orientation.

37. The system of embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the linear actuatorcomprises a ball screw actuator.

38. The system of any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein thearticulation override system further comprises one or more redundantactuators configured and controlled to cause axial movement of theprimary override ring if the one or more linear actuators fail toaxially separate the stationary track member from the movable trackmember.

39 The system of embodiment 38, wherein the redundant actuators compriseone or more actuators selected from the group consisting of pyrotechnicactuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic electronic solenoid actuatorsactuators, and piston actuators,

40 The system of embodiment 38 or 39, wherein the redundant actuator isconfigured to be actuated by an electrical device, explosive device, apressure cartridge, a mechanical primer-initiated device, a lineardetonation transfer line, or a laser actuated ordnance device.

41. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 40 further comprising apower take-off device operably coupled to the at least one hub andconfigured to receive mechanical energy from rotation of the at leastone hub.

42. The system of embodiment 41, wherein the power take-off devicecomprises one or more of a clutch, a gearbox, an electrical generator,and a pump.

43. A method for converting kinetic fluid energy to mechanical energywith a hub that is rotatable about a hub axis of rotation and one ormore articulating plates extending radially from the hub and rotatabletherewith, the method comprising:

A. selectively articulating each articulating plate about a platearticulation axis that is oriented radially with respect to the hub axisof rotation; and

B. during step A, independently controlling an orientation of each platewith respect to the associated plate articulation control axis so thatthe orientation of the plate changes as the hub rotates about the hubaxis of rotation.

44. The method of embodiment 43, wherein each plate has opposedsurfaces, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, and wherein step Bcomprises orienting each plate so that the opposed surfaces of the plateare parallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a first portion ofeach rotation of the hub and so that the opposed surfaces are notparallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a second portion ofeach rotation of the hub.

45. The method of embodiment 44, wherein the opposed surfaces areoriented perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the hub during thesecond portion of each rotation of the hub.

46. The method of embodiment 44, further comprising placing the hub in afluid flowing in a direction that is transverse to the hub axis ofrotation, and wherein the plate is moving against the direction of fluidflow for the first portion of each rotation of the hub and the plate ismoving with the direction of fluid flow for the second portion of eachrotation of the hub.

47. The method of any one of embodiments 43 to 46, wherein, during firstand second transition portions of each rotation of the hub, each platetransitions between its orientation during the first portion of therotation and its orientation during its second portion of the rotation.

48 The energy conversion plates may be textured to increase its dragcoefficient.

49 Each hub is operably coupled to any adjacent hub via acounter-rotating transmission.

50 The hub may include a lubricant reservoir suitable for containing oneor more components of the counter-rotating transmission.

51 The energy conversion system of embodiment 50, wherein each lubricantreservoir includes a counter-rotating coupling configured to effect amechanical energy transfer between two adjacent hubs.

52 The energy conversion system of embodiment 50, wherein each lubricantreservoir is constructed and arranged to enable the counter-ratingtransmission to operate in a radial seal-less configuration.

53 T Each hub is hermetically sealed whereby all components locatedwithin the hub are protected from the fluid flow.

54 In various embodiments, all components required to maintain positivecontrol of the orientation and articulation of all energy conversionplates may be contained within each hub assembly].

55 In various embodiments, the ECP articulation controls are isolatedfrom the fluid flow to prevent all such controls from contacting thefluid low.

56 The articulation control system is mechanical, magnetic orelectromechanical.

57 The articulation of each energy conversion plate is controlled bycomponents that are contained within the ECP's respective operablyconnected hub or that are enclosed by the respective operably connectedhub.

58 The articulation control system includes a stop at the end of eachlimit of travel of each ECP(s) articulation as a failsafe method ofpreventing the ECP from articulating past its specified limit of travel.

59 The stops are located at 0° and 90°.

60 The articulation control system includes a spherical magnetic camtrack, with each track halve having a magnetic charge of equal polarityand magnetic force.

61 The articulation control system includes an equal magnetic force onopposing track halves, with each track halve repelling a magnetic spherecoupled to the ECP, so that the sphere levitates between the two halves.

62 The magnetic sphere is connected to each ECP actuator arm and causesthe articulation of the shaft and ECP attached to it achieved viainternal magnetic spherical track.

63 Mechanical energy is transferred through the entirety of thecounter-rotating hub system to one or more power take-offs, includingwithout limitation a Clutch/Gearbox/Electrical Generator or Pumpassembly(ies).

64 Secondary articulation system, which may be contained entirely withinthe hub assemblies, permits moving all ECPs to their slipstreamorientation for maintenance mode and/or overspeed protection.

65 All mechanical secondary articulation system components are subjectto wear only when secondary articulation system is activated due toswitching to maintenance mode or overspeed mode.

66 The entirety of all secondary articulation system's mechanicalcomponents can be actuated from internal hub components and transfermechanical movement of AOS components through all adjacentcounter-rotating hubs.

67 Hub design permits multiple redundant secondary articulationactuators, including pyrotechnic, pneumatic, hydraulic and electronicsolenoid actuators.

68 Self-aligning bearing system for rotationally supporting each ECPshaft within an associated hub.

69 Central hub carrier enables all control components, such as,electrical harnesses, pneumatic lines, hydraulic lines, fiber opticcables and any other support hub support system, to be routed to eachhub.

70 Aspect ratio—details configured in numerous aspect ratios (width toheight) to accommodate desired overall system dimensions. The aspectratios are only constrained by the overall size of the machine andmaterial's properties.

71 ECP—The portion of the surface area oriented perpendicular to theoncoming fluid flow can be textured to increase its drag coefficient.The portion of the surface area that will be oriented parallel tooncoming fluid flow has a smooth surface, and/or leading edge tominimize the drag coefficient.

72 A spherical liquid lubricant-filled cam track assembly controls themovement of a linkage attached to each energy conversion plate shaft,and consequently, its articulation. Each track half is closed duringworking mode thereby making a track with a circular cross section,similar to a ball race. A spherical metal ball, with a bearing insert,is operably coupled to a sacrificial linkage, which is operably that isof sufficient strength to articulate the related energy conversionplate. The track geometry may be configured to control the start, endand duration of each articulation, with minimum duration between thestart and end point of each such articulation limited only by thediameter of the spherical magnetic follower head 253 relative to theangle of the steepest splines 261 and 262 through which the sphericalmagnetic follower head 253 travels. This can be further described asC=S/(cos((90−Theta)/2)) where C is the circumference of the magneticspherical cam track assembly 250, S is the diameter of the sphericalmagnetic follower head 253, and Theta is the angle of the spline 261 and262. In this embodiment, as the ball moves around the track, the trackgeometry causes the spherical magnetic follower head 253 to move to thelower portion of the track and consequently causes the related energyconversion pressure plate to rotate to an orientation parallel to thefluid flow.

73 Articulation track assembly 250 may include a neodymium sphericalmagnet, with a positive charge above its centerline (like the equator)and a negative charge below its centerline. The spherical magnet travelswithin a spherical (circular) race which is comprised of two halves—anupper half with a positive charge, and a lower half with a negativecharge. The spherical magnetic control (or follower head) is operablycoupled to a linkage as shown and consequently remains orientedthroughout its travel around the race that is parallel to the opposingmagnetic forces, thereby resulting in a magnetic bearing requiring nolubrication and virtually no drag.

74 Battery backup AOS—will work during power failure.

75 KFECS 100 configuration enables the transfer of power, including,without limitation, electricity, computer signals, hydraulic fluid, andcompressed air and from virtually any area within the KFECS 100 that isadjacent to the hub carrier 130, to the perimeter plate 215, andconsequently to ancillary systems, e.g. proximity sensors 585, withoutthe need for any form of rotating coupling.

76 In various embodiments operably coupled parts that come in contactwith an actuator cam 590 or any other movable AOS components areconstructed of materials designed to slide without lubricant. In variousembodiments the AOS is designed to rotate all ECPs 10 and 20 to theirslipstream orientation in less time than is required for a hub to makeone revolution about the longitudinal axis of the hub carrier 130.

77 The energy conversion system of embodiment 1 further comprising oneor more Gearbox/generator Assemblies, each of which may becomputer-controlled to engage or disengage based upon fluid flow-speed,and number of hours that each such assembly has run, thereby balancingthe service hours used among multiple Gearbox/generator Assemblies.

78 The energy conversion system encompasses a universal axis orientationcapability, permitting the energy conversion system to be mounted andoperated horizontally, vertically or in any orientation to the surfaceover or under which it is installed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: at least one hubrotatable about a hub axis of rotation; one or more articulating platesextending radially from each hub and rotatable therewith, wherein eacharticulating plate is configured to be articulable about a platearticulation axis that is oriented radially with respect to the hub axisof rotation and wherein each articulating plate has opposed surfaces, aleading edge, and a trailing edge and each articulating plate furthercomprises a shaft rotatably mounted to an associated hub and definingthe articulation axis of the associated plate; an articulation controlsystem associated with each hub configured to independently controlorientation of each plate of the associated hub with respect to theassociated plate articulation axis, wherein each plate is operablycoupled to the articulation control system so that the articulationcontrol system changes the orientation of the plate as the hub rotatesabout the hub axis of rotation, wherein the articulation control systemis configured to orient each plate in a slipstream orientation in whichthe opposed surfaces of the plate are parallel to the plane of rotationof the associated hub for a first portion of each rotation of the huband in a working orientation in which the opposed surfaces are notparallel to the plane of rotation of the hub for a second portion ofeach rotation of the hub, and wherein each articulation control systemcomprises: a fixed track assembly having a continuous track about itsperimeter, wherein the continuous track circumscribes the hub axis ofrotation, wherein each fixed track assembly comprises a split trackassembly including a stationary track member and a movable track memberthat is movable with respect to the stationary track member in an axialdirection with respect to the hub axis of rotation, and wherein thestationary track member is separable from the movable track member alongthe continuous track; and a follower assembly coupled to each shaft,wherein the follower assembly traverses the continuous track as theassociated hub and plate rotate about the hub axis of rotation to varythe orientation of the plate with respect to the articulation axis ofthe plate; an articulation override system configured to override thearticulation control system and orient each plate in its slipstreamorientation at any angular position about the hub axis of rotation,wherein the articulation override system comprises: one or more linearactuators configured to axially separate the stationary track memberfrom the movable track member to disengage the follower assembly of eacharticulating plate from the fixed track assembly; a primary overridering that is coaxially oriented with respect to the hub axis ofrotation; rocker arms coupling the movable track member to the primaryoverride ring so that axial movement of the movable track member causesa corresponding axial movement of the primary override ring; and anactuator cam attached to the shaft of each articulating plate of the huband configured to be contacted by the axially moving primary overridering and retain each articulating plate at its slipstream orientation.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hub axis of rotation is orientedvertically or horizontally.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprisinga hub carrier comprising a tube that is coaxially arranged with respectto the hub axis of rotation, wherein each hub is rotationally mountedwith respect to the hub carrier so as to be rotatable about the hubcarrier, and the hub carrier is fixed against rotation with the at leastone hub.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a float assemblyto which the at least one hub, the articulating plates of each hub, andthe articulation control system of each hub are attached, and whereinthe float assembly is configure to buoyantly support the at least onehub, the articulating plates, and the articulation control systemswithin a body of water and with the at least one hub, the articulatingplates, and the articulation control systems submerged below the surfaceof the body of water.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the floatassembly is anchored within the body of water by at least three cablesconnecting the float assembly to a ballast mounting attachment, whereinthe system further comprises an automated winch assembly associated witheach cable and configured to automatically control the length of thecable between the float assembly and the respective ballast mountingattachment so as to control the orientation of the float assembly andthe at least one hub, the articulating plates, and the articulationcontrol systems buoyantly supported thereby.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the follower assembly is physically connected to an associatedshaft.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each continuous track includesa first section, a second section, and first and second transitionsections between the first and second sections and wherein, as thefollower assembly traverses the first section of the track, engagementof the follower assembly with the first section causes the associatedplate to assume a first orientation with respect to the articulationaxis of the plate, as the follower assembly traverses the second sectionof the track, engagement of the follower assembly with the secondsection causes the associated plate to assume a second orientation withrespect to the articulation axis of the plate, as the follower assemblytraverses the first transition section of the track, engagement of thefollower assembly with the first transition section causes theassociated plate to transition from the first orientation with respectto the articulation axis of the plate to the second orientation withrespect to the articulation axis of the plate, and as the followerassembly traverses the second transition section of the track,engagement of the follower assembly with the second transition sectioncauses the associated plate to transition from the second orientationwith respect to the articulation axis of the plate to the firstorientation with respect to the articulation axis of the plate.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein opposed sides of the continuous track have anopposite magnetic polarity and the follower assembly includes a followerhead disposed within the continuous track and magnetized so that opposedsides of the follower head have a magnetic polarity opposite themagnetic polarity of the side of the continuous track facing that sideof the follower head.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the continuoustrack has a circular cross-sectional shape and the follower head has aspherical shape.
 10. The system claim 1, wherein each plate has opposedsurfaces, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, and wherein thearticulation control system is configured to orient each plate in aslipstream orientation in which the opposed surfaces of the plate areparallel to the plane of rotation of the associated hub for a firstportion of each rotation of the hub and in a working orientation inwhich the opposed surfaces are not parallel to the plane of rotation ofthe hub for a second portion of each rotation of the hub.
 11. The systemof claim 10, wherein the opposed surfaces are oriented perpendicular tothe plane of rotation of the hub during the second portion of eachrotation of the hub.
 12. The system of claim 10, further comprising ahub orientation control system comprising: a sensor detecting adirection of a fluid flow transverse to the hub axis of rotation; andone or more actuators configured to reposition the at least one hubabout the hub axis of rotation so that the articulating plates of eachhub are in their slipstream orientations for the first portion of eachrotation of the associated hub in a direction against the direction offluid flow and so that the articulating plates are in their workingorientations for the second portion of each rotation of the hub in adirection with the direction of fluid flow.
 13. The system of claim 10,further comprising a cowling surrounding the at least one hub, wherein apart of the cowling associated with each hub is closed on a side of thecowling corresponding to the first portion of the hub's rotation andincludes an intake port and an exhaust port on a side the cowlingcorresponding to the second portion of the hub's rotation.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, comprising two or more hubs, wherein each hub isaxially adjacent with respect to the hub axis of rotation to at leastone other hub, and wherein the system further comprises a separatorplate disposed within the cowling between each hub and at least oneaxially-adjacent hub, wherein the separator plate is fixed with respectto the hub axis of rotation and is configured so as not to interferewith rotation of the articulating plates with the hub about the hub axisof rotation or articulation of the articulating plates about theirrespective axes of rotation.
 15. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a secondary override ring with lifters coupling the primaryoverride ring to the secondary override ring; a tertiary override ringwith lifters coupling the secondary override ring to the tertiaryoverride ring, so that the primary override ring, the secondary overridering and the tertiary override ring move axially in unison; and anactuator cam attached to the shaft of each articulating plate of theaxially adjacent one of the hubs and configured to be contacted by theaxially moving tertiary override ring and retain each articulating plateof the axially adjacent hub at its slipstream orientation.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a power take-off device operablycoupled to the two or more hubs and configured to receive mechanicalenergy from rotation of the two or more hubs.
 17. The system of claim16, wherein the power take-off device comprises one or more of a clutch,a gearbox, an electrical generator, and a pump.
 18. The system of claim1, comprising two or more hubs rotatable about a hub axis of rotation,wherein each hub is axially adjacent with respect to the hub axis ofrotation to at least one other hub, wherein each hub is rotatable aboutthe same hub axis of rotation, and wherein each hub is configured torotate in an opposite direction than the axially adjacent hub.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, further comprising a separator plate disposedbetween each hub and at least one axially-adjacent hub, wherein theseparator plate is fixed with respect to the hub axis of rotation and isconfigured so as not to interfere with rotation of the articulatingplates with the hub about the hub axis of rotation or articulation ofthe articulating plates about their respective axes of rotation.
 20. Thesystem of claim 18, further comprising at least one counter-rotatingtransmission between each hub and an axially-adjacent hub to transmitrotation of each hub to rotation of the axially-adjacent hub in anopposite direction.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein eachcounter-rotating transmission comprises: a ring gear on each hub and theaxially-adjacent hub, wherein each ring gear is coaxially arranged withrespect to the hub axis of rotation; and a plurality of pinion gearsangularly spaced about the hub axis of rotation, wherein each piniongear is rotatable about a pinion axis that is oriented radially withrespect to the hub axis of rotation, and wherein the pinion gears aredisposed between the ring gears on each hub and the axially-adjacenthub, such that rotation of each hub about the hub axis of rotation in afirst direction causes a corresponding rotation of the axially-adjacenthub in a second direction about the hub axis of rotation opposite thefirst direction.
 22. The system of claim 21, comprising at least twocounter-rotating transmissions between each hub and an axially-adjacenthub, wherein the ring gears of each of the counter-rotatingtransmissions have a different diameter.